| ROCKPORT — Chief John Horvath and the Rockport Police Department would like to remind teens of safe driving practices and encourage parents to serve as role models for their children when driving as part of National Youth Traffic Safety Month. |
| May is recognized as National Youth Traffic Safety Month by the National Road Safety Foundation. |
| According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. In 2019, almost 2,400 teens aged 13–19 lost their lives in car crashes, which is approximately seven teens a day. |
| Teens should be mindful of the following safety practices when they are driving on the road: |
- Teens should always buckle their seat belts whenever they are driving or riding in a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts are proven to reduce the risk of death and serious injuries when crashes occur.
- Drive without any distractions. Avoid speaking on the phone while you drive. If you need to use your phone for navigation directions, set it up before you get on the road and pull over to a safe location on the side of the road if you need to make changes. Don’t text or use social media at any time while driving.
- Familiarize yourself with the vehicle, especially if it is a vehicle you have never driven before. Know where important vehicle features are located, such as the turn signals, windshield wipers, and hazard lights. Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel if necessary.
- Do not drink any alcohol or use any drugs before getting behind the wheel.
- Abide by all of the rules of the road while driving. Obey the speed limit and be alert to your surroundings.
| Parents/guardians can make a huge difference in keeping teen drivers safe. They should talk to their teens about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, especially as they drive. They should also practice driving with their teens and set expectations for safe driving practices, such as not engaging in risky behaviors while driving or riding in cars. |
| To help keep teens safe on the road, parents can do the following: |
- Teens lack driving experience, so the more they practice the better they’ll be. To help teens practice, parents/guardians should ride along with their teens for at least 30-50 hours.
- While riding along with teens, parents/guardians should encourage practicing at different times of day, in different kinds of weather, and in heavy and light traffic to make sure they are comfortable with all driving conditions. While practicing, parents/guardians should watch loosely and make suggestions on how their teen can improve.
- Discuss your rules of the road with your teen. Create a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement that puts these rules in writing to set clear expectations and limits.
- Be a good role model for your teen and always buckle up. Wearing a seat belt on every trip is the simplest way to prevent car crash injuries and deaths.
- Parents/guardians can also review the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) list of affordable vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teens when choosing a car for their teen.
About the National Road Safety Foundation
| The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded 60 years ago, produces traffic safety programs on distracted driving, speed and aggression, impaired driving, drowsy driving, driver proficiency, pedestrian safety and a host of other safety issues. It distributes the programs free of charge to schools, police and traffic safety advocates, community groups and individuals. It also sponsors contests to engage teens in promoting safe driving to their peers and in their communities. |
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