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NHTSA Holds National Teen Driver Safety Week

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) held National Teen Driver Safety Week from October 21 through October 27, 2018 (Protect Your Teen Driver). The campaign urged parents to let their children know that driving is a privilege they will lose unless they obey the rules of the road.

Nearly 40,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2016, the most recent year for which we have data. In an attempt to reduce these numbers, the NHTSA recommends educating your children regarding the six major dangers affecting teenage drivers:

  1. DRIVE SOBER OR NOT AT ALL. Nearly 20% of teenage drivers involved in fatal accidents had illegally consumed alcohol. Make it crystal clear that driving under the influence of any substance is extremely dangerous as well as against the law.
  2. BUCKLE UP. Approximately 50% of 16- to 20-year-olds killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2016 were not wearing seat belts. Insist that your teen driver and their passengers buckle up every time they get in a car.
  3. NO DISTRACTIONS. Roughly 10% of teenage drivers involved in fatal car accidents were distracted at the time. Stress to your teen the importance of putting their phone away when driving.
  4. NO SPEEDING. Approximately one-third of all fatal accidents involving a teen driver was at least partially caused by speeding. Make sure your teen knows that if they want to be allowed to drive, they must always stay within the speed limit.
  5. Passengers represent a huge distraction for teenage drivers with little experience. For this very reason, many states restrict the number of passengers allowed in vehicles driven by teenagers.
  6. DROWSY DRIVING. Because of their busy school schedules, many teenagers don’t get enough sleep. Warn your teenager about the dangers of driving while drowsy.

As a parent, you’re a role model. Don’t just set the rules, set an example of safe driving for your teenager to follow. If you have been injured in a traffic accident, please contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman for a free consultation. We will only receive a fee in the event of a successful resolution of your case.