Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) observed National Teen Driver Safety Week, which ran from October 16-22. Since car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 15 and 19 years old, the issue of teen driver safety is a top priority for federal, state and local public safety agencies across the nation. In 2014, 2,679 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes, and an estimated 123,000 teens were injured in motor vehicle crashes. The NHTSA is encouraging parents and caregivers to talk to their children about the unique dangers facing teens behind the wheel.
Improving Teen Driver Safety
The NHTSA has identified the five biggest dangers facing teen drivers on U.S. roads. Distracted driving, extra peer passengers, speeding, alcohol use and failing to buckle up are the top five most serious issues facing teen drivers today. Listed below are the NHTSA’s “Five to Drive” rules for teens.
NHTSA’s Five to Drive Rules
- No cell phones.
- No extra passengers.
- No speeding.
- No alcohol.
- No driving or riding without a seat belt.
Start the Conversation
The most important thing parents can do to observe National Teen Driver Safety Week is to start the conversation about safety behind the wheel with their young drivers. Opening up a dialogue about the dangers facing teen drivers is a great way to increase awareness and improve safety in your household. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online, and safercar.gov even has a four-step blueprint for improving the safety of your teen driver.
Safercar.gov’s Blueprint for Parents of Teen Drivers
- Start the conversation early.
- Set the standard.
- Get it in writing.
- Spell out the rules.
Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers in Asheville
Even if it doesn’t always feel like it, the National Safety Council wants to remind parents that they’re the biggest influences of their teen drivers. Start the dialogue about safe driving at home. It could save your teen’s life or the lives of others. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident involving a teen driver in Asheville or in any of the nearby communities, contact the skilled team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 866-397-2897 for a free case consultation today.