� Motor Vehicle Safety For Teens

The number one killer of teenagers is motor vehicle accidents, accounting for more than

5,000 deaths each year. Younger drivers are at the greatest risk —— 16-year old driver is

42% more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than a teen one year older.

_ Recommendations For Teen Drivers

− Drive sober and always ride with a sober driver.

− Always wear your safety belt, even when your car is equipped with air bags or

when you’re traveling close to home. Insist that all passengers in your vehicle

also wear their safety belts.

− Be familiar with the vehicle you’re driving, and use safety devices such as sun

visors, door locks, and the parking brake, when appropriate.

− Be a defensive driver, be alert, and have a good attitude. Never tailgate.

− Focus on your driving: avoid distractions such as loud music, talking on cellular

phones, eating, or applying make-up while you’re on the road.

− Limit the number of passengers riding in your car.

− Reduce stress by being courteous rather than competitive while driving.

− Follow the traffic safety rules and drive at safe, legal speeds.

185

_ Recommendations for Parents of Teen Drivers.

− Supervise your teen’s driving time. Take time to let your teen practice behind the

wheel while he or she has a permit and throughout the first year of licensed

driving.

− Put a limit on the number of passengers allowed in the car. Teens are likely to

have more trouble focusing on the road with additional passengers in the car.

− Limit your teen’s driving during periods of increased risk. Friday and Saturday

nights and early Saturday and Sunday mornings have the highest number of

driving accidents.

− Establish a house curfew: a time by which your teen must be home.

− Insist that your teen and any passengers wear safety belts.

− Set limits on the areas a teen can drive.

− Prohibit your teen from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

− Encourage your teen to use good judgement both as a driver and as a passenger.

− Be a good role model.

− Support graduated licensing.