Published: October 20, 2009 08:43 pm      

Teen drivers

SHA wants them to learn safe driving practices

Because motor vehicle accidents are the No. 1 killer of American teen-agers, the Maryland State Highway Administration is focusing on National Teen Driver Safety Week as a means of helping young motorists to develop safe driving habits.

The theme for this week’s observance is “Ride Like a Friend.” It is being emphasized in a variety of activities that include educational outreach, school presentations, and efforts to change the risk factors that passengers themselves create.

A study recently published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine indicates that while most teen drivers wear seat belts, many of their passengers do not. Riding with young drivers is one of the most significant risk factors for young passengers age 8 to 17.

“Apart from parental guidance and law enforcement, the single most effective ways for teens to stay alive is to take responsibility for their own safety and well-being,” said SHA administrator Neil J. Pedersen.

About 93 percent of traffic fatalities take place because of driver error. Those who buckle up, drive sober, drive at a reasonable and prudent speed, pay attention to what they are doing and are willing to share the road are less likely to become a statistic.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers age 16 to 20 were involved 1.6 million, or 26 percent of all automobile accidents, last year. Nearly 8,000 people died in accidents involving young drivers.

Laws that recently took effect in Maryland require teens to be 16 years and 6 months of age to apply for a license, and the learner’s permit period has been extended from six months to nine before teens can apply for a provisional license. It is also illegal to send or receive text messages while driving.

Statistics indicate that Maryland teen-agers will be involved in more than 20,000 accidents this year, and about 100 of those will be fatal.

To learn more about teen driving safety, log onto ww.choosesafetyforlife.com/youngdrivers.htm or www.drivingskillsforlife.com