Hoffman Estates teen one of best drivers in the country

When 16-year-old Kelsey Safran gets behind the wheel, her parents can rest assured she's one of the safest drivers around.

The Barrington High junior recently finished third -- and tops among all girls -- in the nationwide SafeTeen America Driving Challenge in Roswell, Ga.

"If anyone asks, I say I was the best female," Kelsey said.

The Hoffman Estates teen qualified for the nationals after participating in a regional competition just after getting her driver's license this summer.

During the regional competition at CarMax in Schaumburg, Kelsey took a written exam and, using a simulator, participated in a skills test.

She then thought nothing of the competition until receiving notice last month that she was one of 21 teens to qualify for the national event.

"I was so shocked," Kelsey said. "I had forgotten I even entered."

She and her mom Lisa traveled to Roswell this month for the national contest, sponsored by the Safe America Foundation.

The three-phase portion of the final contest tested the teens driving knowledge, behind-the-wheel skills and safety behavior.

"It was really stressful," Kelsey said.

Some of the more difficult parts were the obstacle course she had to maneuver her car through and a series of tests designed to see how well the teens parked and drove in reverse.

Tom Safran, Kelsey's dad, said he and his wife are glad to know they have a safe driver in the family.

"We are very proud of her," her dad said.

Safran said he now has high expectations for his daughter's driving.

"The standard has been set now," he said.

Despite her top ranking, Kelsey said she isn't letting it go to her head.

"It gives me confidence, but my parents remind me all the time that I am still just 16," Kelsey said.

While some teens hit the road without thinking too much about safety, Kelsey said her parents have stressed that when behind the wheel, she is in charge of a "deadly machine."

"It is important for kids to realize driving is a privilege," she said.

John David Howard of Perry, Ga., was the winner of the event. He took home a $5,000 prize and will be the spokesman for Safe America Teen Driver program.

As a way to try and ensure all drivers practice safe techniques when behind the wheel, Illinois is enacting tougher requirements for teens wanting a license.

Come Tuesday, a driving permit will be issued for nine months rather than three.

The new laws also reduce the amount of time new drivers can be behind the wheel.

The new law requires 16- and 17-year-old drivers to hand over the keys by 10 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. on weekends. That's an hour earlier than the previous law.

For more information on how to get involved in the search for safest teen driver in 2008, visit skidzz.com.