TL;DR
On October 15th, 2023, Servetrain collaborates with California and national agencies for National Teen Driver Awareness Week, highlighting road safety. The main risks for teen drivers include alcohol, distractions, and speeding. In 2021, over 2,000 young drivers died in accidents, many with alcohol involvement or not wearing seat belts. ABC initiatives are in place to restrict youth alcohol access.
Starting October 15th, 2023 Servetrain joins hands with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to emphasize the importance of road safety for young drivers. This week, recognized as National Teen Driver Awareness Week, marks an optimal opportunity for parents across California to discuss responsible and sober driving habits with their teenagers.
The primary hazards for adolescent drivers encompass factors like alcohol intake, failure to use seat belts, distractions while driving, over-speeding, and accommodating passengers. During this crucial week, it’s imperative for guardians to sit down with their teenage children and discuss these pivotal safety regulations.
Notable points from the California Highway Patrol include:
- For the age bracket of 16-19, vehicular accidents stand as the primary reason for fatalities.
- In roughly two-thirds of these mishaps, the teen driver was identified as the responsible party.
Director Joseph McCullough of ABC has voiced a strong message, urging parents to educate their offsprings about the perils of impaired driving. “Teenagers and alcohol don’t mix, leading to a significant number of drunk driving fatalities annually.”
As per NHTSA’s records:
- In 2021, a distressing 2,116 young drivers lost their lives in traffic incidents, marking an 11% surge from the previous year.
- Parents, as primary role models, can significantly mold their teens’ driving behaviors. By addressing major driving risks, they can potentially diminish these threats. Some essential guidelines include:
- Zero Alcohol Tolerance: Teenagers are legally prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcohol. Shockingly, in 2021, 27% of young drivers involved in fatal accidents had traces of alcohol, with 84% surpassing the .08% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. This statistic has almost doubled since 2017 based on NHTSA data.
- Belt Up: One of the most straightforward protective measures is seat belt usage. However, a staggering 52% of teen drivers who faced fatal consequences in 2021 were not wearing seat belts.
- Avoid Distractions: Using a mobile phone while driving is both perilous and illegal, accounting for 8% of all teen-related vehicular accidents in 2021. Those below 18 years are strictly prohibited from any phone usage, even hands-free.
- Adhere to Speed Regulations: Over-speeding remains a significant concern, particularly among teens. In 2021, the 15 to 20 age group reported the highest incidents of speed-related fatal crashes.
- Limit Passengers: The risk factor multiplies for teen drivers when they have multiple co-passengers.
- Zero Alcohol Tolerance: Teenagers are legally prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcohol. Shockingly, in 2021, 27% of young drivers involved in fatal accidents had traces of alcohol, with 84% surpassing the .08% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. This statistic has almost doubled since 2017 based on NHTSA data.
Through OTS funding, various ABC initiatives like TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies), Minor Decoy, and Shoulder Tap Decoy are implemented to safeguard the youth of California. These programs aim to curtail youth access to alcohol, with TRACE focusing on comprehensive probes into severe alcohol-related accidents. Both Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Programs aim to restrict youth access to alcohol by conducting random checks to ensure no provision of alcohol to minors.
For an in-depth understanding of National Teen Driver Awareness Week and valuable driving tips for teenagers, we recommend visiting the NHTSA website.
Servetrain’s Take:
We appreciate the collaborative efforts undertaken with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the California Office of Traffic Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during National Teen Driver Awareness Week. This initiative underscores the urgency of educating our young drivers about the inherent risks associated with driving, especially when intertwined with factors such as alcohol consumption, distractions, and speeding. Our collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment to curbing the alarming rise in teen fatalities on the road.
However, while these efforts are commendable, there are inherent challenges. One of the primary concerns is the persistent spike in alcohol-related incidents among teens despite legal restrictions. The data revealing that a significant percentage of young drivers involved in fatal accidents had traces of alcohol is particularly disheartening. On the positive side, programs like TRACE, Minor Decoy, and Shoulder Tap Decoy are pivotal in addressing the issue of youth access to alcohol. Yet, there’s an undeniable need for more comprehensive strategies, especially in cultivating a culture of responsibility and safety awareness among our teenagers.