School is back in session and teen drivers are on the road.
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for people ages 16-24. Many of these crashes are preventable, yet this statistic has not changed in more than a decade.
Driving safety is probably not the first thing on most teens’ minds, but teaching teens safe driving practices should be the first thing on parents’ minds. To help keep teen drivers out of harm’s way, the Community Parent Center offers these driving tips for the back to school season and throughout the year:
- Always wear seatbelts: Driver and all passengers
- Limit number of passengersNo cell phones, No texting
- Avoid distractions: No eating, drinking or adjusting the radio
- No alcohol or other drug use
- Do not speed especially in school zones
- Stop for school bus when flashing red lights
- Obey all traffic signs and lawsDrive defensively
- Parents: Lead by example. Teens model your actions and may adopt your driving habits.
Driving safety is important all year long. If teen drivers exercise caution, obey the traffic laws and drive responsibly, the first days back to school and the entire year will be safer.
Wendy Tepfer, Director of the Community Parent Center, a not-for-profit organization located in North Merrick, contributed to this article.
