Teens drive 44 percent more, hazards increase. Chrysler Group's Road Ready Teens helps inexperienced teen drivers stay safe behind the wheel.
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan -- School is out and more teens are driving on the road. That's the good news and the bad news. Good because teens are gaining more experience behind the wheel. Bad because more teens die during the summer months in car crashes.
Traffic crashes are the No. 1 killer of teens. Between June and September, the number of teens who die in car crashes is significantly higher than at any other time of year. A recent study conducted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) showed that 602 teens died during June, 624 in July, 625 in August, and 528 in September. In January and February of the same year, the numbers of deaths were 442, and 403 respectively. (The numbers are from 2003, the last year statistics were available.)
"Losing a teenager in a car crash is a tragedy no matter what time of year," said Deb Morrissett, Chrysler Group Vice President - Safety and Regulatory Affairs. "Unfortunately, with teens driving more in the summer, the risks are greater... Chrysler Group's Road Ready Teens program is an easy and fun way to slowly acclimate teens to risks they face when driving -- before they venture behind the wheel. We certainly want to do our part to keep teens safer," said Morrissett.
There are several reasons for the summer increase in car-crash related deaths: Teens drive 44 percent more during the summer; are more likely to drive at night; and often travel with several teens in the vehicle, which can be a major diversion. In addition, since they are already inexperienced drivers, teens are more prone to be distracted while behind the wheel.
There is good news, however. Research shows that when parents take an active role in their teens' driving education and set guidelines, their teens' chances of being in a crash can be reduced by up to one-third. Streetwise, a free online video game, and a Road Ready Teens Parents Guide (www.roadreadyteens.org ), to help open up dialogue between teens and parents to discuss safe driving decisions.
Road Ready Teens combines the popularity and excitement of video games with the educational potential of these games to challenge and teach teens about driving risks and safety practices. The game takes teens on various driving missions where distractions in the vehicle and hazards on the road challenge the driver's senses and reaction times. The video game clearly demonstrates that distractions such as multiple passengers in the vehicle, and risks such as driving in adverse weather conditions are difficult to master as new drivers.
Road Ready Teens involves the entire family by encouraging both parents and teens to sign a driving contract based on recommendations of leading safety experts. In addition, parents are urged to set a curfew for teens and to grant driving privileges gradually. Teens are encouraged to buckle up, obey the rules of the road and most of all, avoid drinking and driving.
