The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced October 18 through the 24th is Teen Driver Safety Week. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 14 and 18 years old, and the NHTSA is hoping to raise awareness about the issues facing teen drivers and passengers.
During Teen Driver Safety Week, parents are highly encouraged to talk to their children about the “Five to Drive” rules and staying safe behind the wheel.
Teen Traffic Crash Statistics
- In 2013, there were 2,614 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes.
- Nearly one out of five teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking in 2013.
- In 2013, almost one-third of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
- 64 percent of all the young passengers of teen drivers who died in car crashes weren’t restrained in 2013.
- 11 percent of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2013 were reportedly distracted at the time of the crash.
Recent survey results show that only about 25 percent of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the dangers that come along with driving. The NHTSA is urging parents to bring up the topic and discuss the key components of driving and the dangers facing their teen drivers.
Driver inexperience is not the only factor impacting teen drivers when they are behind the wheel. There are many added distractions for teens that can impact their safety- from texting while driving to extra peer passengers.
Teens can drastically reduce their chances of being involved in an injury causing or fatal crash by following the NHTSA’s “Five to Drive” rules.
The Five to Drive
- No drinking and driving.
- All passengers always buckle up.
- Do not text and driver. EVER.
- Do not speed.
- Do not have more than one passenger in the vehicle at any time.
The NHTSA has a variety of resources for parents and teen drivers. If you have any questions, or if your teen has been injured in an auto accident, please call our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. We can begin helping you immediately.