The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) has recently issued a press release about the Highway Patrol’s upcoming operation “Drive to Live 2015.” This safety initiative is aimed at raising awareness for teen-driver safety and reducing teen-driver related injury-causing collisions and deaths. The operation is being kicked off on April 20 and will be running from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every day for a week. During the Drive to Live 2015 operation, troopers will be increasing traffic safety law enforcement around the state’s schools. Additionally, they will be conducting traffic safety education programs at various high schools before school lets out for the year.
North Carolina Teen Driver Facts
- In 2014, the North Carolina Highway Patrol investigated over 48,711 crashes involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 to 19 years old.
- Of those collisions, there were 9,153 reported injuries.
- There were also 113 fatalities reported.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds across the U.S. Additionally, nearly half of the teen drivers involved in crashes die. The NHTSA offers parents and teen drivers a variety of resources to increase safety behind the wheel. Their “5 to Drive” rules are designed to address the biggest safety concerns currently facing teen drivers. Not only are teen drivers inexperienced behind the wheel, they are engaging in distracted driving behaviors and increasing their likelihood for crashing with additional peer passengers.
“5 to Drive” Rules
- No cell phone use or texting while driving
- No extra passengers
- No speeding
- No alcohol
- No driving or riding without a seatbelt
Teen Driver Safety in Asheville
Although Operation “Drive to Live 2015” is only running through the end of this week, officials with the North Carolina Highway Patrol office have stated that they will continue their efforts to reduce injury-causing and fatal crashes involving teen passengers and drivers all year.
If your teen was injured in a crash involving another teen driver, contact the skilled legal team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation today.