Teen Distracted Driving
Safety & Awareness | September 1, 2018
By Sarah Rhone RN, BSN, PHN, Outagamie County Public Health Division, Safe Kids Fox Valley Coordinator
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, teens killed in car crashes is the biggest contributor to injuries in kids 19 and under. More teens die in motor vehicle crashes (MVC) than from any other cause of death. In the United States, approximately 2,500 teens die each year from MVC’s. These deaths are preventable!
FACT:
In half of the fatalities, the teen was not wearing a seatbelt.
FACT:
Fatalities are split almost equally between teen drivers (56%) and teen passengers (44%).
1,000 teens were surveyed between ages 13-19 to explore reasons teens don’t “buckle-up”
Responses Include:
- They forgot or were not in the habit of buckling up (34%)
- They were not going far (16%)
- The seat belt was not comfortable (11%)
- Other teens said that they were going to a party (33%)
There is a real challenge in separating teens from their phones!
Of the same 1,000 teens surveyed, 39% had ridden with a teen driver who was texting. In addition, 43% had ridden as a passenger with a teen driver who was talking on the phone. However teens are not the only drivers using their phone. More than half of teens said they have seen a parent talking on the phone while driving.
Is Distracted Driving a Contributing Factor?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving. This Includes:
- Talking or texting on a phone.
- Eating or drinking.
- Talking to people in the vehicle.
- Fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.
Tips to help parents protect their teen from preventable motor vehicle crashes:
Remember 3 things!
- Buckle Up! Buckle up on every ride, every time.
- Phones Down! Be a good role model. Teens often model their behavior from their parents, and have been watching their parents since they were infants.
- Speak Up! Talk to teens and kids about ways to speak up if a driver of any age is not driving safely.
Parents, get the facts, get involved with your kids/teens, and help us keep American roads safe! learn more.
P.A.R.T.Y at the PAC
October 3 & 4 at the Performing Arts Center (PAC)
This is no real “party” but a live experience presentation for sophomore students and their parents. The program began in 1998 and has reached over 67,000 students. Parents Are the Key was added to educate parents about proven steps and tools for reducing teen driving injuries and deaths. Tips on starting the conversation with your teens are also discussed.
Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this life saving program. Check with your teen’s high school to see if they are participating and learn how to register for the event.
