May Marks Global Youth Traffic Safety Month

Each May youth across the nation come together to focus on one of the leading causes of death for teens- traffic-related crashes. Global Youth Traffic Safety Month was created to empower teens to create and teach each other about traffic safety education as well as supporting local law enforcement in their efforts to protect teen drivers.

The National Safety Council compiled a list of important data that parents might not be aware of but should know. Did you know?

·         Car crashes are the #1 killer of teens.

·         Teens crash most often because they are inexperienced – not because they take more risks behind the wheel.

·         Other teen passengers are one of the biggest distractions for teen drivers. Just one teen passenger raises a teen driver's fatal crash risk 44 percent. Two passengers doubles fatal crash risk. Three or more quadruples crash risk.

·         Most fatal nighttime crashes involving teen drivers happen between 9 p.m. and midnight.

·         More than half of teens killed in car crashes were not restrained by a seatbelt.

While these statistics are incredibly scary, together as a community we can do something about it through education and awareness. This year, the focus is on paying attention to your tires. The Cooper Tire & Rubber Foundation created a new program called “Tread Wisely” to promote driver and tire safety among teens. To learn more about this initiative, please visit http://treadwisely.org/.

Traffic education is crucial now more than ever especially with cell phones being a major contributing factor to distracted driving. Help young drivers in your area have the safest summer they can by following these key steps!

Ø  Just Drive: Avoid all distractions – they can wait!

Ø  Always Buckle Up (Passengers too!)

Ø  NEVER drive impaired or ride with anyone else who is!

Ø  Plan your Route and your Ride: Always take the safest way and ride with safe drivers.

Ø  Stand up for your own Safety: Speak up and get out if you need to!

Ø  For parents: Model GOOD behavior! Teens learn driving habits from YOU!

Stay safe behind the wheel. And remember if you are ever in an emergency, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1. You could save a life.

Please do not text and drive! Watch this video: