3,000+ Teens are killed each year

3,000+ Teens are killed each year in fatal traffic accidents across the country.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the leading cause of death in 15-20 year-olds is motor vehicle traffic crashes. The NHTSA goes on to say “the causes are inexperience, immaturity combined with speed, drinking and driving, not wearing seatbelts, distracted driving (Cell phone use, loud music, other teen passengers, etc.), drowsy driving, nighttime driving, and other drug use aggravate this problem.”

Many of us have a teen we love and care deeply about either in our immediate family or close enough to reach out to in some way shape or form. Take a moment this week, National Teen Driver Safety Week October 14 - 20, 2012, and reach out to them. If nothing else, let them know they are important in your life. Ask if they would think of you when they get behind the wheel.  Maybe remind them of the causes auto related of teen death. I’m not talking about another dronning speech that they will block out and translate to “blah, blah, blah”, I’m talking about, I love you please buckle your seat belt before you head out on the road.

Here’s another reason to call the teens in your life. Have you heard about the Ford Driving Skills for Life program? In 2003 Ford developed a hands-on driving clinic in an effort to reduce teen driving fatalities. Ford Driving Skills for Life travels the country teaching teens the advanced skills to be a safer driver. They focus on 4 areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes:

• Hazard Recognition/Distractions
• Vehicle Handeling
• Space Management
• Speed Management

Ford Driving skills for Life’s Award-Winning Driving Course is now available in a comprehensive online video game. If you can’t attend the Safe Driving clinics at Ford Driving Skills For life program, this game is the next best thing, check it out Ford DSFL Game. Share the link with your teen and talk with them about safe driving habits.

Remember 3,000+ Teens are killed each year in fatal traffic accidents across the country.