“5 to Drive” Campaign Promotes Safer Teen Driving

A new campaign intended to counter the rising number of teens killed in car accidents is underway through a collaboration with the Citrus Heights Police Department and the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA).

The initiative, called the “5 to Drive” campaign, encourages parents to have conversations with their teens before they begin driving on their own. The campaign offers tips on how to talk to teens about dangerous driving behaviors.

The campaign focuses on five basic rules teens should follow in order to ensure their safety and prevent fatal car accidents. This includes:

•  No drinking and driving.
•  Buckle up. Every trip, every time, everyone in the front seat and back.
•  Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. All of the time.
•  Stop speeding before it stops you.
•  No more than one passenger at a time.

The Citrus Heights Police Department believes that by incorporating these rules into discussions with teens, parents will greatly increase their safety while driving.Surveys have shown that teens with parents who lay down a strong set of rules are less likely to engage in dangerous or risky behavior when driving.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 15 and 19 years old. In 2014, there were 2,679 teens killed in car accidents. Another 123,000 teens were injured while riding as a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a fatal crash.

Police have identified alcohol, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding and too many passengers as the top factors that contribute to the growing fatality rate among teen drivers.

The “5 to Drive” campaign will take place during the National Teen Driver Safety Week, from Oct. 16-22. Parents can help protect their teens by talking with their them and teaching them how to apply safer driving habits. If you or loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact a car accident lawyer in Sacramento for a free case evaluation form. A Sacramento injury lawyer from Arnold Law Firm can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering and expenses associated with your injuries.

Call (916) 777-7777.