SAFETY DRIVER TIPS: Talk to Teens About Distraction Driving
Did you know the number one killer of teenagers are automobile collisions? Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young people 15 to 20 years of age, causing roughly one-third of all fatalities in this age group. In 1996, 6,319 young people age 15-20 died in motor vehicle crashes. Even though this age group makes up only seven percent of the driving population, they are involved in 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. In 1996, teens were involved in more than two million non-fatal traffic crashes.
From teen drivers and texting and cell phones to teen drivers and iPods and distractions in music - implement these tips to avoid impaired driving. Enter into a driving contract with your teen drivers and commit to Focus On the Road®:
- Set rules about no emailing or texting while driving in your household for everyone!
- Enforce these rules, if the teen driver is caught emailing for texting while driving - have a consequence.
- Have a special spot for your teen driver to place their cell phone while driving - such as a closed purse or a pocket so it is not so tempting to respond to those texts and emails.
- Have your teen driver shut off their phone while driving!
- Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle.
- Set rules for eating and drinking in the vehicle.
- Limit how loud music can be and discuss the use of mp3 and iPod players in the vehicle.
- For free driving contract examples, go to www.teendriving.com/drivingcontract2.htm and www.saferchild.org/driving.htm.
Get your teen driver real driving experience! Try a local teen driving clinic like the Advanced Car Control Skills clinic hosted by the Glacier Lakes Quattro Club in Minnesota.