PennDOT - District 6 News
PennDOT, CHOP Highlight National Teen Driver Safety Week
King of Prussia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) today highlighted National Teen Driver Safety Week, which begins Sunday, October 20, with a distracted driving simulator demonstration and tips on how teens can practice positive driver behaviors.
According to PennDOT data, there were 85,736 crashes involving at least one 16 to 19-year old driver in Pennsylvania, resulting in 530 fatalities, from 2014-2018 statewide. Of those crashes, over 30,000 involved the teen driver speeding and over 14,000 crashes involved distracted driving.
Vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death among 16 to 24-year-olds. According to CHOP, most young driver crashes are due to driver error caused by inexperience and distractions.
PennDOT highly recommends and has found that a critical component in keeping young drivers safe is the partnership they have with an adult in their lives. Adults can lead by example by practicing positive driving behaviors.
Some tips for parents and guardians to help their young drivers include:
• Talk about driving with your teen (begin having conversations with your teen prior to him or her turning 16);
• Set an example. You should not be speeding or texting while driving either;
• Make sure your vehicle is safe and well-maintained;
• Be familiar with the tasks and requirements of teaching your teen to drive. Use the publication, The Parent's Supervised Driving Program, available on PennDOT's website www.dmv.pa.gov;
• Allow your teen to drive in all situations and all kinds of weather;
• There is no such thing as too much practice;
• Limit the number of passengers;
• Limit dawn, dusk and nighttime driving until your teen gathers more experience;
• Enforce a curfew;
• Gradually increase the amount of time and distance you allow your teen to drive;
• Enforce observance of speed limits and other rules of the road;
• Continue to discuss the dangers of drinking and driving with your teen. Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal; and
• Ride with your teen occasionally to monitor his or her driving skills.
The Pennsylvania Graduated Driver Licensing Program has helped to boost teen driver safety through increasing behind-the-wheel training requirements, placing a limit on the number of passengers a young driver can transport, and making not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense for young drivers and passengers under 18.
Young drivers can also follow these safety tips to protect their lives and others:
• Always wear your seat belt;
• Do not drive impaired. Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal;
• Slow Down! Obey the speed limit - driving too fast gives you less time to react;
• Do not talk or text on your cell phone while driving. Phones down and eyes on the road;
• Use your turn signals so other drivers know what you are doing;
• Don't eat or drink while driving. These are also distractions;
• Adjust radio and climate controls before beginning your trip. Have your passenger adjust the controls for you or adjust the controls when you are stopped;
• Plan - know where you are going and get directions before you leave;
• Leave early and give yourself plenty of time to get there; and
• Expect the unexpected.
To learn more about how PennDOT promotes teen driver safety, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.
Follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAPhilly. Follow the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennsylvaniadepartmentoftransportation and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robyn Briggs, 610-205-6799
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