Today’s post comes to us from fellow interlock provider, LifeSafer.
According to traffic safety data by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,987 15 to 20-year-old drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2011. That number had increased by 1% from 2010 and doesn’t include the 180,000 drivers who were injured in vehicle crashes in that same year.
That’s why May’s National Youth Traffic Safety Month is so important – every year groups across the USA partner together to promote teen safety and safe driving practices for teens. Some of the safe practices promoted to teen drivers are:
- Avoiding distractions while driving – teens shouldn’t talk on cell phones, text, or eat while driving.
- Wearing seat belts at all times – seat belts can decrease the risk of dying in a crash by 45%.
- Practice defensive driving by being aware of cars around them and always keeping a safe distance from the car in front of them.
- Stick to the speed limit – speed limits are set to be the maximum one should drive, so don’t drive beyond what the posted limit states.
For many teens, there’s a certain feeling of ‘It can’t happen to me” when it comes to vehicle crashes. Take time this National Youth Traffic Safety Month to become aware of the dangers of teen driving and help yourself or your teen stay safe while on the road.