Remember the excitement you felt the day you got your driver’s license? No more relying on mom and dad to be your chauffeur.
Teenagers, with their youthful zest and newly minted driver’s licenses, often overlook the serious responsibilities that accompany the freedom of driving.
Car crashes are the leading cause of unintentional deaths for U.S. teenagers, according to the National Safety Council. In Florida, teen drivers were involved in 84,167 crashes resulting in 369 fatalities and 1,927 serious injuries in 2021.
A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found:
- Teens were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in potentially risky behavior when driving with a teenage peer versus driving alone.
- The likelihood increased to three times when traveling with multiple passengers.
- Safety belts were not worn in one-third of the fatalities and serious injuries involving these teen drivers.
- Avoiding Distractions: Texting, talking on the phone, putting on makeup – all distractions that can lead to accidents. It’s vital to teach teens to always keep their eyes on the road.
- Obeying Speed Limits: Speeding is a common cause of accidents among teen drivers. We must stress the importance of adhering to speed limits and adjusting speed according to the road conditions.
- Never Driving Under the Influence: The dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot be overstated. Teens need to understand that even a small amount can impair their ability to drive safely.
- Wearing Seat Belts: Encouraging the habitual use of seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries in the event of an accident.
