National Teen Driver Safety Week

Last year, 37 teens were killed and more than 5,500 were injured in car accidents in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Nationally, almost 3,000 teens were involved in fatal traffic accidents.

In an effort to encourage safety while behind the wheel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has teamed up with local organizations throughout the country to promote its National Teen Driver Safety Week, which is recognized Oct. 16-22.

This week, the NHTSA is encouraging parents to take part in its “5 to Drive” campaign by talking with their teens about dangerous driving behaviors that teens should avoid when behind the wheel. With these five basic rules, parents can help reduce the number of traffic deaths involving teen drivers.

• No drinking and driving. In 2014, one out of five teen drivers involved in a fatal crash was under the influence of alcohol.
• Always wear a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest way to protect against injury in an accident, yet 59 percent of the 763 passengers killed in vehicles with teen drivers in 2014 were not wearing a seat belt.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Texting and driving, vehicle passengers, and other distractions can be deadly. Ten percent of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents in 2014 were distracted at the time of the collision.
• Do not speed. Speeding is a common problem among all drivers, especially teens. One-third of teen drivers were speeding at the time of a fatal accident.
• No more than one passenger at a time. Teen drivers are more than two times more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors with passengers in the vehicle.

Parents play a vital role in encouraging safe driving habits among teens. Even before teens take the wheel, they take on many of the bad habits that their parents engage in while driving. That is why it is so important that parents lead by example when teaching teens about safe driving.

Unfortunately, a recent study by AAA found that parents are less involved in their teen’s driving and are worse at preparing them for the road than they were 10 years ago.

Parents are encouraged to take time this week during National Teen Driver Safety Week to sit down with their teens and discuss the “5 to Drive” and other safety tips.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident involving a driver who was speeding, distracted or engaging in other negligent behaviors, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers today to learn more.

Call 414-333-3333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.