Teens Behind the Wheel
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration teens die in cars at a higher rate than any other age group, including senior citizens. The problem is worst among 16-year-olds, who have the most limited driving experience and their immaturity often results in risk -taking behind the wheel.
Risk factors for teens are:
- Inattentiveness: Driver inattention/distraction is the most common contributing factor in multiple-vehicle crashes.
- Excessive speed: Illegal/unsafe speed is the most common contributing factor in single-vehicle crashes. Teens particularly have difficulty adjusting speed to suit current driving conditions.
- Failure to wear a safety belt: Properly wearing a safety belt reduces the risk of fatal injury to occupants.
- Not checking traffic before pulling out: Most crashes involving teens occur at intersections because of their inexperience judging distance and speed.
- Driving with other teens: The presence of passengers strongly increases crash risk. For teen drivers-- the more passengers, the greater the risk.
Here are some tips for parents of teenagers:
- When you drive, set a good example for your teen.
- Require safety belt use at all times.
- Take time to let your teen practice driving with you while he or she has a learner permit and during the first year of licensed driving.
- Expose your teen to different driving conditions including wet roads, snow, highways, rural roads, night driving, etc. Practice on unfamiliar roads.
- Choose vehicles for safety, not image.
- Take the necessary time to discuss driving rules, responsibilities and consequences appropriate for your family.
- Develop a strategy for progressive privileges. As the teen driver gains experience and demonstrates appropriate decisions, allow him or her to "graduate" to a higher level of driving responsibility.
Studies show that new drivers who are supervised have very few crashes. Developing necessary skills for safe driving is a complex task and can be learned only after many hours of practice. Driver education is a first step, but parents have a crucial role in teaching teens to drive.
Here are tips for teen drivers:
- You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.
- Always adjust your seats and mirrors for the best visibility while driving.
- Don't fiddle with the radio, tape or CD player while you are driving. It's better to wait until you can pull over because taking your focus off the road for even a few seconds could lead to a collision.
- Don't blast the radio. You might miss hearing a siren or a horn that could warn you of possible trouble.
- Don't talk on the phone, put on makeup, comb your hair or eat while driving.
- Don't take drugs or ride with anyone who has been using drugs. Even some over -the- counter drugs can make you drowsy.
- Don't drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking.
- When the light turns green, make sure the intersection is clear before you proceed.
- Don't run red lights.
- Obey the speed limit. Going too fast gives you less time to stop or react.
The Indiana Driver Manual is designed to give you information that will help you become a safe driver.
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