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Teen Driving Safety
The number one killer of teenagers is automobile crashes,
accounting for more than 5,000 deaths every year. Youngest drivers are most at risk:
a 16-year old driver is 42 percent more likely to be involved in an accident than a
teenager just one year older. Teens don't need to be victims of their driving
inexperience. Here are some ways to help decrease the chances of driving
accidents, and increase the chances of safe, accident-free driving by taking charge.
This information highlights examples of safety precautions you can take
to help protect yourself, your family, and your property. This list is not
meant to be all encompassing. Moreover, a particular precaution may not
be effective in all circumstances.
Teens
- 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.
Parents
- 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 judgment both as a driver and
as a passenger.
- Be a good role model.
- Support graduated licensing.
Graduated Licensing
Graduated licensing is a conditional or intermediate license, awarded to
teens, between a learner's permit and a regular adult license. By adopting
a graduating licensing program, the country of New Zealand reduced
teen driving deaths by nearly 33 percent.
Graduated Licensing Laws May Require:
- Six months of crash-free, conviction-free driving.
- A zero tolerance for blood alcohol concentration.
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. without authorization.
- Provisional, color-coded driver's licenses.
- Successful completion of a driver education course.
Getting involved in teen driving safety and graduated licensing issues in
your community is a great way to show you care.
Most insurance companies support graduated licensing!
Most companies sponsor a "Teen Taking Charge" Program which uses
discussion guides, a video and a speaking script to help parents work
with their kids, teaching them to recognize and react to potentially
dangerous road situations. To obtain a "Teen Driver Taking
Charge" program for your family, talk to an Agent today.
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