Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 19-year olds in the United States? In fact, in 2014 there were 2,679 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes. And, an estimated 123,000 teens were injured.
This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 16-22, 2016). The week is dedicated to raising awareness and seeking solutions to preventable teen deaths and driving-related injuries.
So, this week, take time to talk with your kids about the dangers of driving! These include alcohol, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and traveling with extra passengers.
According to TeenDriverSource.org, “Many people, including teens, think that the best way to reach young adults is to “scare them straight.” This rarely works. It can be overwhelming and cause teens to shut down.”
Instead, research shows that teens actually understand many of the risks involved in driving. And, they recognize they can be vulnerable. So, parents need to focus on the positive actions teens can take to stay safe.
To learn more about National Teen Driver Safety Week, please visit:
- You Can Make A Difference
- Reframe the Message to the Positive
- History of National Teen Driver Safety Week
- National Teen Driver Safety Week Activities
- Other Ways to Get Involved
