Two studies published in 2009 showed that teens who had to share a car and whose parents who were involved in their driving in a supportive way were far less likely to be involved in a crash or to engage in risky driving behaviors.

The studies, conducted by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and State Farm Insurance, were published in the October 2009 issue of Pediatrics. According to a news release by State Farm Insurance, the studies were based on a National Young Driver Survey of more than 5,500 teenagers in grades 9 through 11.

The first study showed that "teens who said their parents set clear rules, paid attention to where they were going and whom they were with, and did so in a supportive way were:

• half as likely to crash
• twice as likely to wear seat belts
• 71 percent less likely to drive while intoxicated
• 30 percent less likely to use a cell phone while driving

These findings are compared to teens who said their parents were less involved."

The second study looked at teens who either owned their own car or had easy, unrestricted access to a car were twice as likely to be involved in a crash. The study showed that almost 75% of teen drivers owned or had unrestricted access to a car. 25% of teens who were the main driver of a car reported having been involved in a collision compared to just 10% of those who had to borrow a car.

On a basic level it makes sense; a teen that has to borrow a car faces the wrath of the owner if that car is damaged or destroyed. Teens who own their own car don't feel that sense of responsibility to protect someone else's property from harm.

These studies show the critical importance of parental involvement in a teen's driving environment and add to data that shows Graduated Drivers Licenses for teens work to create a safer driving environment for teens.

Car crashes are the main cause of death for teenagers in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens are involved in three times as many fatal traffic crashes as all other drivers.

NHTSA figures for 2009 show:

• Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds.
• 5,148 15- to 20-year-old drivers were involved in fatal crashes.
• 2,336 15- to 20-year-old drivers were killed.
• 196,000 15- to 20-year-olds were injured in motor vehicle crashes.
• 15 to 20 year old drivers make up 6.4% of the licensed drivers in the US but they account for 11% of the fatal crashes.

Many parents, especially in those households where both parents work, look forward to the day when they no longer have to transport their teen to various activities. However parents should strongly resist the urge to buy a car for the sole use of the teen; at least for the first year. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the most dangerous time for teens is the first year after receiving their driver’s license. The IIHS states that “the crash rate per mile driven is twice as high for 16 year-olds as it is for 18-19 year-olds.”

"Our data show that one of the safest decisions families can make is for parents to control access to the keys for at least the first 6 to 12 months after a teen gets his license," says Flaura Koplin Winston, MD, PhD, study co-author and scientific director of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at CHOP. "Our data show an alarming trend - almost three-quarters of teens have easy access to a car. Compared to teens that have to share a car, these teens are twice as likely to crash and more likely to speed and to use a cell phone while driving. When teens have to ask for the keys before taking the car, it naturally creates the opportunity for parents to have conversations with their teens about where they are going, who they will be with, and to review the house rules about driving with passengers, wearing seat belts, using cell phones, and which routes are safe."

A dialogue should be started with the teen before they receive their learner's license and an effective tool for setting up those rules and boundaries is the Parent-Teen Driving Contract. When parents and teens both agree on what the rules should be, the teen is more likely to take ownership of that decision.

Labels: parents, seatbelt safety, teen driver safety, texting and driving, vehicle crash

Word's out: summer's officially over. Other than the nationwide-groans from kids, there's also something else to be concerned about: children's safety. These kids may be in their preschool years, or they may be at the driving age --- bottom line is: pedestrian safety is a still a genuine concern.

Here are some tips both for parents and children to make their daily trip to school a safe one:

• Parents should have a talk with their children regarding safety. For the younger kids, parents should be giving out more specific advice than "don't talk to strangers." These talks can and should also include the following topics: looking left to right before crossing, crossing/getting off the bus only where it is allowed or with adult supervision and numbers to call should they find themselves lost. For the older kids, maybe it's time to introduce a Parent-Teen Driving Contract --- to put down in paper what is specifically not allowed in the scope of their driving privilege/responsibility.
• Drive carefully. Be the example for your children. Always buckle your seat belt before driving, remove all distractions from the vehicle and always obey traffic signs or lights. Always keep the vehicle maintained so it doesn't break down and the kids (or you!) won't get late.
• If the school is within walking distance from the home, parents should survey the route their children take. Is there a "walking school bus" (a group of kids on their way to school accompanied by an adult from the neighborhood) near the area where you live?
• For parents and teen drivers: always be aware of school zones. The penalties of going too fast or driving up where you're not supposed to is even greater than when you're on the road --- even worse, you may get in an accident. Remember that there is a speed limit of 25mph in school zones which apply before and after school hours.
• Have fun: school may end up being the best time for children, and a fond memory for parents. Making sure you and your family is safe ensures that you'll cherish the moment more.

Labels: child safety, distracted driving, parents, pedestrian safety, pedestrian traffic, school bus safety, teen driver safety

Starting early in the last week of April, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced that the Teen Traffic Safety Program will be making rounds in the local high schools. This is to ensure that the number of youths who will be aware that traffic safety practices can save lives will increase.

In the same program last year by the Department of Traffic Safety, along with its government and community partners were able to reach out to at least 4000 teens. The goal for this year is to bump up that number a little more.

"We try to teach the message every year, and we keep coming back at our young drivers every year, because the message we have given them is one that could help avert an accident and save a life. We want to send a strong message that reminds young people that getting behind the wheel is serious business, and that we want them to stay safe," Picente said.

The presentation will include a DWI Traffic Safety Simulator that will allow students to safely experience firsthand the effects of driving while intoxicated. Also included is the PEERS simulator, which is a driving experience that allows students to see, hear and feel the experience of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The New York State Police will also be aiding the effort by providing the Roll-over simulator and Seat Belt Convincer. A representative from the state DOT will also be providing a presentation on “Work Zone” driving safety, making this a complete teen driving safety program.

The schools and dates of the visits are as follows:

• Monday, April 25, at Westmoreland High School
• Wednesday, April 27, at Clinton High School
• Thursday, April 28, at VVS High School
• Friday, April 29, at Oriskany High School
• Monday, May 2, at Proctor High School
• Tuesday, May 3, at RFA High School
• Wednesday, May 4, at Holland Patent High School
• Thursday, May 5, at Whitesboro High School

Labels: dwi, teen driver safety, teen drivers

Another layer of New York's effective way of keeping teen drivers is TEENS (Teen Electronic Event Notification Service). This handy service is free, voluntary and offered by the state’s DMV for parents or guardians of teen drivers who are minors.

The service can be easily applied for via personal visit, mail, or online when the teen driver applies for a driver permit or non-driver ID. (http://www.dmv.ny.gov/mydmv.htm)

How it works is, whenever that teen driver is involved in a vehicular crash, a moving traffic violation or suspension/revocation of permit, the parent or guardian will receive notification by mail or opt-in for email.

Currently, this service has more than 12,700 enrollees statewide, and helps parents or guardians monitor their teen's driving habits. This is among many of the offerings that the state of New York brings to keep teen drivers safe, and parents sleeping soundly.

Learn more about driver safety and defensive driving courses at www.NewYorkDefensiveDrivingNow.com.

Labels: driver, permit, teen driver safety, teen drivers, teens, traffic violation, vehicular crash