TALK TO YOUR TEENS ABOUT DRIVING – THEY ARE LISTENING!

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-to-18 year olds in the U.S. In fact, in 2013, there were 2,614 teen (15-to-19 year old) passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes, where an estimated 130,000 were injured. Yet, a recent survey shows that only 25 percent of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the key components of driving. Parents need to take the time to talk with their kids about the many dangers of driving, which includes alcohol, seat belts, texting, speeding, and extra passengers.

This year’s campaign, “5 to Drive,” is putting an emphasis on parents talking to their teens about the risks they face while driving. Research shows that parents play an important role in increasing their teen’s driving skills, as they have the greatest influence over their teen’s behavior. In fact, leading experts believe parents play a key role in preventing teen car crashes and deaths. Teens with parents who set rules, monitor their driving, and are supportive, are half as likely to crash and twice as likely to use seat belts as teens with less involved parents. Parents can help by talking with their teens about safe driving practices.

The education and awareness campaign identifies the five most important rules all teen drivers need to follow. Parents need to start talking to their teens about the 5 to Drive, and make certain teens understand these rules before they hit the road:

1.    No Drinking and Driving. Compared with other age groups, teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes, even though they’re too young to legally buy or possess alcohol. Nationally in 2013, almost one out of five (19 percent) of the teen drivers (15-to-19 years old) who were involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.

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