New research by AAA shows an alarmingly high number of teens admit to engaging in very risky behavior behind the wheel. Some of these behaviors – like driving under the influence – are problems the safety community has battled for years. Others – like text messaging while driving – are new behaviors. They all pose a threat to road users and must be corrected by teens, parents and safe driving educators for the safety of teens and everyone else who uses our roadways.
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens, claiming more than 6,000 15- to 20-year-olds each year. Many of these deadly crashes are due to immaturity and inexperience, factors that can be partially addressed by helping teens gain valuable driving experience in a low-risk learning environment.
A low-risk learning environment includes:
- Minimizing distractions such as teen passengers, cell phones, MP3 players or CDs;
- Driving during the daytime when crash and fatality rates are lower for teens and drivers of all ages;
- Providing positive driving role models through parents who exhibit safe driving behaviors such as obeying speed limits, not driving while distracted, refraining from drinking and driving, and being courteous to other drivers.
Teens need parents to be positive role models and to play active roles in their driving lives. In addition to spending ample time in the vehicle during the learner’s permit stage of licensing, parents also need to start a dialogue with their teens to discuss leading risk factors for teens and how to prevent them. Discussions can begin with topics parents may already be familiar with such as obeying speed limits, wearing seat belts, and the dangers of drinking or using other drugs and driving. These topics can lead to discussions of the hazards of driving at night, and various driving distractions such as teen passengers and cell phones. |
