This week is Teen Driver Safety Week. Every year in October, the National Safety Council and many other organizations across the United States, bring awareness to Teen Driving. Half of all teens will be involved in some sort of accident before they graduate high school. It is important that this week – and every other week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the importance of staying safe while driving. There are lots of rules to follow when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and they should understand and follow each and every one. These rules address the dangers for teen drivers. Things like alcohol, inconsistent seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and having too many passengers in their vehicle, can all have serious consequences.
According to Traffic Safety Marketing, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 In the United States. This is higher than any other type of injury, disease, or violence. In 2017, 2,247 people were killed in crashes that involved a teen driver. Of those, 755 deaths were the teen driver.
Before your teen hits the road, set these rules with the “5 to Drive”
No cell phones while driving: Distracted driving has become as deadly as driving while tired or intoxicated. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that distraction was a factor that led to a crash in 58 percent of crashes involving teen drivers. The textor email can wait. It is better to arrive alive.
No extra passengers: Not all passengers are going to behave. Teenagers are more likely to get into an accident when they are transporting other teenagers. Most provisional operators’ permits place a limit on the number of passengers that can be in a car when a teen is driving.
No speeding: Speeding, driving too close to another vehicle, and excessive lane merging, greatly increase the chance of getting into an accident. It is better to arrive late than in a casket.
No alcohol: Alcohol use by teens has gone down over the past years, but it still plays a huge role in teen crashes. Teens can make bad decisions, but remind them that It is NEVER okay to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after you have been drinking. Drivers under the age of 21 represent 10% of licensed drivers in the US, but are responsible for 17% of fatal alcohol-involved crashes. As a parent, you need to reassure your child that, no matter what, they can call you for help if they are in a situation where they can’t or won’t drive.
No driving or riding without a seat belt: No matter how often you remind your teen to be safe on the road, it is highly likely that they will be involved in some sort of accident. Whether it be minor or major. Wearing a seatbelt GREATLY increases your chance of survival from any type of motor vehicle accident.
Although teens can be stubborn they are also impressionable. As a parent, you have the most important role in teaching them the proper safety of the road.
Friedman Law Has the Rules
If you would like to learn more about teen driver awareness or different rules of the road, contact our office by giving us a call at 866-458-5468.
To learn more about teen driving month, visit the National Safety Council website to read articles, watch educational videos, and learn more about how to keep your teen safe.