National Teen Driver Safety Week Encourages Conversations about Positive Changes
Driving is inherently dangerous. It is the experience that we gain over time that makes us better drivers and therefore safer on the road. Unfortunately, when we start driving, we are not lucky enough to have experience on our side.
Inexperience, along with a higher likelihood to take risks and be distracted, are some of the reasons why car crashes are the number one cause of death among teenagers in the U.S.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017 alone, 3,255 teen drivers (aged 15-19) were involved in fatal crashes, with 2,526 losing their lives.
In a study analyzed by the NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer as compared to driving alone. In fact, research has shown that the risk of a fatal car crash increases in relation to the number of teenagers in the car.
Seeking to deal with these alarming statistics, National Teen Driver Safety Week was born. Now in its 12th year, the next one will take place from October 20-26, 2019.
This important week brings together teenagers, parents, schools, law enforcement, policymakers and advocates across the nation to create positive change. This includes everything from safe driving pledges to local seat belt checks.
Creating Positive Change Through Positive Actions
National Teen Driver Safety Week focuses on the actions that teenagers can engage in that will keep them and their passengers safe.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much to evoke change. Just getting the conversation started with your teenager can make a big impact. Take National Teen Driver Safety Week as an opportunity to talk and share messages with teens in your community, school, or workplace about safe driving behaviors.
How can you do this?
- Talk with your teen about drunk driving
- Be aware of any restrictions on your teen’s license
- Don’t rely on only driver education courses to teach them
- Demonstrate safe driving yourself
- Set your own rules and consequences for breaking them
The Goss Law Firm, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured or if a loved one has been killed in a car accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another person, The Goss Law Firm can help. To learn more or to schedule a FREE consultation, call the Kansas City Lawyers at the Goss Law Firm at 816-527-8658 today!
