Safe Driving for Teens

Teen driving deaths frequently occur...

• After dark. Automatic reflexes and driving skills are just developing during the first months of driving. Darkness is an extra variable to cope with.
• When driving with friends. Teens are safer driving by themselves or with family. They should drive as much as possible with an experienced driver, who can help develop good driving habits. As tempting as it may be, new drivers should wait until they have a consistent, safe driving record before taking friends as passengers. Friends, to the new driver, are a big distraction and a significant liability. (This liability may extend to the parent.)
• With recreational driving. For the first 3 to 6 months after obtaining a license, new drivers should try to gain their experience driving for school and work, not for fun.
• When not buckled-up. Use safety gear like a pro.
• When drowsy. Anyone who is sleepy should stop driving until fully alert. Sleepiness may cause even more accidents than alcohol!
• After drinking alcohol. Drinking slows reflexes and impairs judgment. These effects happen to anyone who drinks. So, NEVER drink and drive. ALWAYS find someone to drive who has not been drinking -- even if this means an uncomfortable phone call!