According to information posted on the NTDSW website, the focus of this years observance is the danger of distracted driving a problem that, in the case of many young drivers, is exacerbated by the presence of friends in the vehicle:
There are many well-known factors that raise a teen drivers risk of getting in a fatal crash: Speeding, drinking, talking on a cell phone and driving at night are among them. Yet theres another dangerous factor that recent research shows few teens recognize: peer passengers.
Just one teen passenger doubles the risk a teen driver will get into a fatal crash; three or more passengers quadruples the risk. &
The risk is not just for the driver. & Starting at ages 12 to 14, a child passengers risk of dying in a crash with a teen driver doubles, and the risk continues to rise for each teen year. Most teen passengers who die in crashes are riding with a teen driver.
Based on this research, National Teen Driver Safety Week 2008 focused on increasing teens awareness of how passengers contribute to driver distraction, a leading cause of crashes for teens.
Teens have helped develop the Ride Like A Friend peer-to-peer program, including practical tips on how passengers can be helpful. Buckling up, limiting cell phone conversations, and respecting the driver are some of the messages the program offered to teens.
Labels: teens, driving, safety
Posted By: Aspen/CRC
What I am confused about is that if there are so many stats out there saying having multiple kids in the car makes it more dangerous why do schools promote car-pooling and offer discounts for the students that participate??