Driving

Teenagers are always excited about learning to drive. Driving is great because of the freedom it brings but it is a huge responsibility. You are responsible for your own safety, the safety of your passengers and the safety of others on the road.

Statistics

  1. The leading cause of death for people under 27 years of age is motor vehicle accidents.

  2. Drivers under the age of 25 had the highest rate of involvement in fatal crashes. The chances for death or serious injury double every 10 miles per hour over 50 that you are traveling.

  3. Male drivers between 15 and 20 year of age were in involved in 40% of all fatal crashes caused by speeding.

  4. Over 50% of fatal crashes for teens involve alcohol

  5. Teens have a greater than 50% chance of being involved in an accident if they have a passenger in the car with them.

The statistics are frightening for both you and your parents. We encourage you to take driving seriously and to follow these tips:

  1. Always, always wear your seatbelts and do not transport anyone who refuses to wear a seatbelt. Almost two-thirds of all passengers killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seatbelts.
  2. Drive within the speed limit.
  3. Keep windows and windshield clear. Make sure you haven't overpacked the car so you can see out in all directions.
  4. Keep the radio at a low volume or go without it until you are comfortable driving. The radio can break your concentration and prevent you from hearing a siren or horn that could be warning you of possible trouble.
  5. Never, ever drink and drive. Never ride with a driver, even an adult, who has been drinking or taking drugs.
  6. When you are driving, don't do anything else. Don't talk on the phone, don't eat, and don't get ready for school.
  7. If you become sleepy when driving, pull over to a safe area and rest.
  8. Require your passengers to wear seatbelts, to keep hands and legs inside the car, and to help you provide a safe environment for them. As the driver, you are responsible.
  9. Practice with an adult as much as possible. Attend driver's education classes.
  10. Become familiar with and follow all traffic rules. "I didn't know", isn't an acceptable excuse

Major factors contributing to accidents are speed, alcohol and drugs, ignoring the right of way, tailgating, improper passing, driving to the left of center, fatigue and general recklessness.

You can't always control the situations you are in, so if you find yourself somewhere where there is drinking, work out an arrangement with your parents that will make sure you can get home safely. You can make sure you always have taxi fare or call your parent for a ride with no questions until morning. You have a great opportunity in this situation to demonstrate to your parents that your behavior showed maturity and good judgement. This can go a long way in letting your parents know you can be trusted and are able to accept added responsibility and freedom.

Learn safe driving habits from the beginning for a lifetime of safe driving.