National Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month: Promoting Safer Teen Driving
It’s no secret that teenagers pose a greater risk behind the wheel. Various states implement different degrees of Cinderella licenses, and the growing problem of
texting while driving is making the road increasingly dangerous.
That’s why teenage driving awareness is an important mission in this country. May is National Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month, and numerous events across the country aim to spread awareness.
This year’s National Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month is particularly significant. Teenage driving fatality
statistics are staggering.
Teen Driving Statistics
In 2011, July 23rd and July 30th tied as the deadliest days for young drivers behind the wheel:
21% of car fatalities involved a driver between the ages of 15 to 20 with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Over 1,200 people were killed due to underage drinking and driving.
11% of drivers aged 15-19 involved in fatal collisions were distracted at the time of the crash.
60% of drivers and passengers aged 15-20 who died in collisions were not wearing a seatbelt.
Teen driving fatalities have become a public health epidemic in the United States, causing up to 3,500 deaths annually. These alarming statistics have prompted Washington officials to emphasize the need for education and traffic safety awareness.
The Importance of National Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month
National Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month aims to address these issues by raising awareness of the importance of safe driving, especially during the summer months.
The National Organization for Youth Safety has partnered with the government, corporate leaders, and young people to launch Global Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the deadliest time of year for teen drivers. Over 1,000 young drivers die in traffic accidents during summer months, compared to 800 deaths in non-summer months. This makes May the perfect month for a traffic safety campaign.
Awareness Programs and Initiatives
To promote Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month, various organizations are rolling out campaigns:
The National Transportation Safety Board launched an informational campaign, while the Ad Council collaborated with Teen Vogue magazine for outreach programs.
AT&T developed the “It Can Wait” program, encouraging young drivers to delay reading text messages until they reach their destination.
The US Department of Transportation, Mazda Motorsports, the Ad Council, and The National Organization for Youth Safety hosted the second annual “Project Yellow Light Scholarship” contest. Entrants created videos highlighting the dangers of risky mobile behavior under the theme
“One Text or Call Could Wreck It All.”
The Century Council, along with 17 Attorneys General, released PSAs for their
“I Know Everything” program, which fosters communication between teens and parents about driving safety.
These programs emphasize peer-to-peer communication, recognizing that teenagers often listen to their peers more than to parents or teachers.
Driving Towards Safer Roads
Teenagers may think they know everything, but they need to recognize their inexperience behind the wheel. National Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month serves as a crucial step toward a safer driving environment for both young and experienced drivers as we approach the summer months.
Image Source: The National Organization for Youth Safety,
http://www.noys.org/gytsm_history.aspx
