National Teen Driver Safety Week
Nationwide, car crashes continue to be the leading cause of death among teens. In 2008, there were 136 fatal collisions involving young drivers ages 15 to 20 in Indiana.
In an effort to resuce the number of teens killed and injured on Indiana roadways, the Governor's Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving and the Indiana Criminal Justice Instituture (ICJI) have announced their support of Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18-24
“While our ultimate goal is to save lives, education remains an important component in teaching teens the importance of safe driving,” said Neil Moore, executive director of ICJI. “Teen Driver Safety Week provides the perfect opportunity for communities to address this issue and better educate young drivers about potential dangers when they are behind the wheel.”
Research indicated that driver distrations are the primary cause of fatal collisions. In Indiana, distracted driving was a contributing factor for 2,493 young drivers involved in traffic collisions in 2008. One of the greatest risk faactos faced by teens is the number of passengers in the vehicle. Studies have confirmed that with the presence of just one passenger, teens are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
In July 2009, Indiana implemented new Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) requirements for probationary drivers under the age of 18. Since young drivers are at greater risk for becoming involved in traffic crashes that result in severe injury and death, specific restrictions have been put into place to help teens safely travel Indiana’s roadways. In 2008, Indiana drivers age 16-17 were involved in a fatal collision more than 5.5 times the rate of drivers 18-20 and seven times the rate of drivers over age 20.
One of the greatest risk factors teen drivers face is the number of passengers in the vehicle. Stu
dies have confirmed that with the presence of just one passenger, teens are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash. Few teens recognize the increased risk of a crash while passengers are present in the vehicle.
Parents and teens can learn more about the latest research and recommendations on safe driving for teens at http://www.ridelikeafriend.com/.
Established by Congress in 2007, National Teen Driver Safety Week promotes several nationwide outreach efforts such as “Ride Like a Friend” to encourage communities to support the families of young drivers.
Teen Driver Safety Statewide Events
To help get the m
essage about about teen driver safety in the Hoosier state, Indiana SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will be involved in a number of events to educate teen drivers about the potential dangers of distracted driving and encourage safe drivinig practices. Fore more information, visit their website.
Young Driver Resources and Special Information
Brochures
- Safe Driving Tips for Teens
- How to Be a Good Road Model - A guide for parents
Ford Driving Skills For Life
safe driving among young drivers statewide.
Students will take part in a series of hands-on driving exercises that simulate wet or potentially dangerous driving conditions. Each activity will emphasize safe driving practices in four key areas believed to have the most promise of preventing crashes: Hazard Recognition, Vehicle Handling, Speed and Space Management. Indiana law enforcement officers trained in emergency vehicle operations will serve as instructors for the event. This event will also provide resources to educate young drivers and their parents about Indiana’s new Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) requirements which took effect July 1.
The three regional conferences were made possible through a $20,000 grant from the Ford Driving Skills for Life program.
Studies have shown that young drivers are at a higher risk for collisions due to their inexperience, greater propensity for risk taking and tendency to be easily distracted.
Driving Skills for Life is a national safety initiative aimed at teenagers who have earned or are about to earn a driver’s license. The program was developed by a panel of safety experts brought together by Ford Motor Company and the Governors Highway Safety Association to teach students the skills necessary for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver’s education programs. While buckling up and driving sober are fundamental rules that drivers need to follow, this program goes a step further and focuses on four key driving skills. The result is a unique program that informs teens about these skills, which could prevent more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes.
For more information about the Ford Driving Skills for Life program, visit drivingskillsforlife.com