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The Facts Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in the US- more than any disease or cancer, more than drugs, violence or suicide. What makes this even worse is the almost all teen crashes are preventable because they involve choices. Choices made by a driver who has very little experience, may feel over confident and who makes more decisions based on their feelings rather than logic. This doesn't mean that teens are bad drivers or bad people in general; it only means that statistically teens are most definitely the highest risk drivers on the road to cause a fatal crash or to be involved in one. The Brain There is so much still to learn about the brain but one thing is clear; the maturation of the brain does not complete until you are in your early to mid 20's. Until then you tend to make most decisions using that part of the brain that is more fully developed at a younger age, the Amygdala. This part of the brain is dictated by emotions and feelings rather than logic and reason. Have you ever had a conversation with your parents about something that you really wanted to do and were stunned that your parent(s) didn't share your enthusiasm about it? That could be a good example how your point of view and decision making originate from a different place in your brain, the place where excitment and emotion rule. With age you begin to process consequences more and weigh them heavily against your available choices. So what seems like "fun" when you are younger might seem reckless or even destructive to you later.
Risk Reduction
You can reduce your risk by systematically reducing or eliminating the things that take your eyes and mind off the road. Here are some very simple ways to be a safer, more alert driver.
o Cell Phones Once thought of as a “safety device” for new drivers it is clear now that cell phones can just as easily take your life. Many teens and adults alike cause fatal crashes in cars, boats, trains and trucks because of this one device. Make it a ritual to turn off your cell phone or put it in silent mode when you get into your car. You and your friends can survive your not responding to them for a few minutes; but you may not survive taking your attention off the road, even for just a few seconds.
o Friends Even your BFF is putting you and themselves at risk by simply being in a car with you. Each teen passenger will greatly increase your crash risk. Why is that? When you drive alone you are just driving- you're not holding a conversation, looking over at another person, laughing or not paying 100% attention to driving. The more passengers, the greater your risk. A sinlge passenger doubles your risk of crashing. Make sure that if you do have passengers with you that they understand to not distract you while driving. o Music It seems harmless enough but constantly changing the stations, looking for the right CD or track, searching your MP3- all of these are tasks that your attention away from safely driving. The noise itself and the desire to sing along are also distractions. Not convinced? Drive without music and see if you are more alert to your surroundings. When the music goes off, it’s like turning your senses on. o Night Driving Most of your practice as a new driver occurs in daylight. Night driving has reduced visibility and in some un-lit areas even the posted speeds are more dangerous. Consider also that the bright lights of oncoming cars can be blinding, causing you to look away for seconds at a time. See this study recently published that shows that Night Driving is one of the highest risk areas for new drivers. Most teen crashes take place after school and between 9pm and 6am. o Eating, drinking & unsecured items Trying to eat or drink items in the car means you have to take your eyes off the road momentarily to pick something up and take a hand off the steering wheel. The same is true when you set it back down. What happens if that item spills or drops on your clothes while you are driving? The same is true for unsecured items on your dash or seats. When something gets propelled off the seat or dash a normal reaction is to try and retrieve it- but this is one of the most dangerous things you can do as driver. Eliminate the potential and you won’t have to deal with the what-if’s. o Basic Safety Rules and etiquette Teens are much more likely crash due to speed or die from not wearing a seatbelt than the average adult. Teens are also learning etiquette from other drivers, and sometimes that can be a hazard more than helping. If you concentrate on being a calm, rational driver and obey traffic rules and adjust your driving for changing road conditions, you will greatly improve your chances of causing a crash.
------------------------------------------------------------- Educational Sites: - Distractology 101 (Arabella Ins. Group) This is a very informative and interactive teaching tool to get you more familiar with the facts about distracted driving. Good for Parents and Teens!
Watch these videos about distracted driving
Related Aritcles related to Cell Use and Driving - New! New study done by Texas Transporation shows Night Driving one of the highest risks for new drivers (Click here for the actual study in pdf form) - NSC says that 1 of every 4 crashes (1.4 million) in the US involves a cell phone - NHTSA's report on Cell Phone Usage while driving
_________________________________________ PSA's Regarding Distracted Driving
WARNING ! The following PSA is VERY graphic and depicts a very realistic crash scene in which people are critially wounded in a car crash. Please use discretion in viewing this PSA around others and DO NOT SHOW WHEN SMALL CHILDREN ARE PRESENT.
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