NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA | Safety tips for teens behind the wheel; national awareness campaign
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DMV and State Police are hoping to raise awareness next week about the dangers teens face while behind the wheel. Alcohol, speed, and inexperience all play a part. But, perhaps the biggest contributor to the thousands of teen crashes involves distraction.
It's something the adult driver battles everyday -- distractions in the car and on the roadway. But, as a teen driver, those distractions can be even more dangerous, even deadly.
John- 3:13:36- the passenger issue i think is important, the cd's, changing the cd players.it only takes a split second to take your eye off the road," says John Saunders, DMV spokesperson.
Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 15 and 19.
The numbers speak for themselves. Last year, 60 teenagers died in crashes on Virginia's roadways, more than 5,000 were injured. Often times speed, alcohol, and lack of seatbelts are contributing factors. But, its those distractions coupled with inexperience that change everything for even the best of drivers.
"Those teen drivers are just trying to learn the basics so when you compound it with distractions, it could lead to disaster," says Saunders.
During this driver safety week, DMV and State Police are reminding young drivers about several rules and restrictions, the number of passengers is limited for anyone 18 or younger. Only one is permited for their first year behind the wheel, after that only three are allowed. Curfew restrictions are mandated for teens and texting or talking on the cell phone is also prohibited.
"What we've found is it really takes five years before you become an experienced driver. That first six months is so dangerous on our highways," says Virginia State Police Sgt. Tom Cunningham.
Parents need to take note, too.
"Make sure they drive responsibly, avoid distractions, road rage, aggressiveness, lead by example and you never know who's watching," says Saunders.
The National Teen Driver Safety Week Starts sunday, state agencies will be promoting awareness all week.
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