Teen Driver Safety Tips Make your safety a priority
It is important to remember that all novice drivers are at a greater risk of getting into an accident when they are first learning to drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed “5 to Drive” rules of the road that give parents and teens a simple, straightforward checklist that can help them talk about good driving skills and most importantly, prevent a tragedy before it happens.
No drinking and driving. Teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes than any other age group. No driving or riding without a seat-belt. In 2017, a staggering 43 percent of teens who died in crashes were not wearing seat-belts at the time of the crash. No cell phone use or texting while driving. Among drivers 15 to 19 years old, nearly one in five were distracted by their phones. It only takes one quick text or call to destroy your teen’s life. No speeding. Crash risk for teenagers increase incrementally with each mile per hour over the speed limit. No driving more than one passenger at a time. Research has shown that the risk of a fatal car crash goes up directly with the number of teens in a car. In fact, the likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers. People often mistakenly believe that the best way to reach teenagers is to “scare them straight.” This strategy is anything but productive. Instead, it can overwhelm teens and cause them to shut down. It is best to focus on positive actions, such as the 5 tips above, that teens can take to keep them safe. www.habbaspilaw.com