Green has been teaching drivers ed for 40 years in Springfield, and he's had about 15,000 students.
"So, if there are bad drivers out here, maybe it's partly my fault, but hopefully that's not the case," Green laughed.
He feels fortunate to still be teaching in Springfield, and is thankful students still have the opportunity.
"A lot of people have really been dedicated to keeping the program in Springfield," Green said.
Many school districts have cut drivers ed altogether,m or only offer it for a price during the summer, because it's so expensive.
"They have to pay for the vehicle, the car insurance, gas and their instructors as well," said Cheryl West of Safety Council of the Ozarks.
West says the organization has started offering a summer drivers ed program, independent of any school, to make up for the lack of school programs.
At Kickapoo, students take a nine-week classroom portion free of charge, and pay $165 for an optional six hours on the road. Experts feel the experience with an instructor is worth it.
"If we can expose them to higher risk situations gradually, with an expert driving instructor, that's going to help them with their driving experience," said West.
Probably one of the biggest dangers to teens on the road are the distractions in the car, like changing the radio station, plugging in the iPod or talking to friends in the car. There are also newer distractions we didn't have several years ago, like smart phones.
"Even if they're not on their phone, just the fact their phone may be buzzing on the seat next to them can also be a distraction," said West.
In Missouri, texting while driving is illegal for those under age 21. It's illegal for all drivers in Arkansas.
If teens can avoid distractions and get the experience they need early on, Green has high hopes.
"I love it when people stop me and say, 'Hey, you were my drivers ed teacher in 1984, and I haven't had a ticket or a wreck.' That's the ultimate goal," said Green.
The good news, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is fatal crashes involving young drivers have steadily dropped over the last several years. In 2005, there were 231 fatal crashes. Last year, there were 115.
Parents can help their teens be safer drivers as well. West recommends parents give their teens plenty of supervised experience, don't let teens drive late at night, limit the number of people in the car, make a no-cell-phone-use policy, and follow the Missouri Graduated Driver License Law.
For more tips, visit the Safety Council of the Ozarks website.
