SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced that the South Brunswick Police Department is joining with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 16-22, to promote the “5 to Drive” campaign to encourage all parents to talk to their teen drivers about the rules of the road when they are behind the wheel.
“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in teens. It is important for parents to take the time to talk to teenagers about dangerous driving behaviors that can end with fatal consequences. The ‘5 to Drive’ campaign offers parents and guardians some tips and a framework to talk to their teen drivers about all the different aspects of driving,” Hayducka said.
In 2014, 2,679 15-19 year olds were involved in fatal traffic crashes, resulting in 3,004 deaths nationally, according to a statement provided by the South Brunswick Police Department. An estimated 123,000 teens were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
The “5 to Drive” campaign gives parents tips on how to address the five most dangerous and deadly driving behaviors for teen drivers: alcohol, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding and extra passengers.
Surveys show that teens whose parents set firm rules for driving typically engage in less risky driving behaviors and are involved in fewer crashes. According to the NHTSA, there are five basic rules parents can use to help save the lives of teen drivers:
1. No drinking and driving. All teens are too young to legally buy or possess alcohol, but they are still at risk. Nationally in 2014, one out of five teen passenger vehicle drivers age 15-19 involved in fatal crashes had been drinking. Remind teens that driving under the influence of any impairing substance, including illicit or prescription drugs, could have deadly consequences.
2. Buckle up: every trip, every time, everyone, front seat and back. Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest ways for teens to stay safe in a vehicle. Yet, in 2014, there were 763 passengers killed in passenger vehicles driven by teens age 15-19, and 59 percent of those passengers who died were not buckled up at the time of the fatal crash. When the teen driver was also unrestrained, the percentage of those passengers who were not restrained jumped to almost 86 percent.
3. Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, all the time. In 2014, among teens 15-19 years old who were involved in fatal crashes, 10 percent were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. Remind teens about the dangers of texting, dialing or using mobile apps while driving. Other passengers, audio and climate controls in the vehicle, and eating or drinking while driving are all examples of dangerous distractions for teen drivers.
4. Stop speeding. In 2014, 30 percent of teens involved in a fatal crash were speeding at the time of the crash. Remind teens to drive within the speed limit.
5. No more than one passenger at a time. According to data analyzed by NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behaviors triples when traveling with multiple passengers.
“We are committed to making our roadways safer through increased enforcement and education. Taking the time to talk to teen drivers is another step in keeping them safe,” Hayducka said.
For more information, visit www.safercar.gov/parents.