Officials with the North Carolina Highway Patrol are hoping to increase roadway safety for teens and other motorists during Operation “Drive to Live” this week. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, this pre-prom season safety campaign will be conducted between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day. This safety initiative is aimed at reducing the number of teen related injury causing and fatal crashes around the state. In addition to enforcing all traffic laws around the state’s schools, officials with the North Carolina Highway Patrol will also be conducting traffic safety education programs at various high schools prior to the end of the school year.
Young Drivers Crash Facts
- In 2013, there were 1,691 young drivers (between the ages of 15 and 20 years old) killed in crashes.
- An estimated 177,000 young drivers were injured in crashes in 2013.
- Young drivers accounted for six percent of the total number of licensed drivers in 2013.
- In 2013, nine percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes were 15 to 20 years old.
Teen Driver Safety
Car crashes are the number-one killer of teens in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages parents to talk to their young drivers about the main issues impacting teen safety behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a huge problem in teen drivers and in drivers of all ages. The NHTSA recommends having a contract with teen drivers to ensure they understand the consequences of unsafe driving habits. Above all, remember to set a safe example for your teen drivers. Always buckle up, and never drive distracted.
After an Accident in Asheville
After any kind of car accident due to somebody else’s dangerous, negligent or distracted behavior, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case. A lawyer can be your trusted advocate during this tough time. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident involving a teen driver in or around the Asheville area, contact the skilled team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation.