subject: Four Initiatives Authorities are using to keep Teen Drivers Safe [print this page] With more and more teen drivers hitting the road, our authorities, agencies and law makers are working on several initiatives to keep them safe. Car crashes remain the number one cause of death for the teen years. Add the fact that studies have statistically shown that teen drivers are more likely to engage in some form of distracted driving, many parents and guardians worry about their teen's safety.
To help ensure our teens safety on the road,authorities and agencies are being proactive through many of the following avenues:
Zero means zero. There is more emphasis on initiating zero-tolerance campaigns. It could either be in the form of zero-tolerance for drivers who use mobile phones while driving, or having a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) just slightly above zero. These approaches are great ways of ensuring that teens who engage in distracted driving or driving under the influence are stopped before they put themselves or others in danger. Zero-tolerance communicates the seriousness of the incident.
It's the law. Some states have gone so far as making cell-phone use while driving a PRIMARY offense. This means that they don't have to be involved in a crash caused by distracted driving to get cited. Choosing to have the phone in their hand when both hands should be holding the steering wheel is an offense that may get them a ticket, or even worse penalties.
Educating the teens. Movements like the Teen Driver Safety Foundation offers advanced driver training specifically for teens, not only educating them on distracted driving dangers, but in the process making them better drivers overall. They are engaging the general public, public safety officials, educators and the media in their focus on educating teens about driving skills. Working together is an approach that may prove to be the one that works.
Information dissemination. Authorities are spending money and time on creating education campaigns about distracted driving. This raises awareness for dangers that the general public may encounter but could overlook. When YOU yourself become aware of the magnitude of the problem, you can do something about it. Find out what your local community thinks of distracted driving or get others informed. If you have teen drivers in the family, looking into a distracted driving course may help them prevent needless crashes on the road.
Teen drivers are gaining experience in a much more complicated driving environment than most of their parents or guardians had while learning. In addition, the judgment areas of the brain are still developing. Even if you don't have a teen driver, you most likely are sharing the road with them. Support safe driving initiatives from the local state and federal levels and help to raise awareness to this important cause.
Four Initiatives Authorities are using to keep Teen Drivers Safe
