Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-17 year olds?  Teens have the highest crash rate out of any age group, with an 89% chance of an accident within their first three years of driving.

 

And that is only the beginning. Additional statistics show:

• Teens are 400% more likely to die in a car crash than 25-34 year old drivers. (National Safety Council)
• The crash rate for drivers 16-19 year olds is four times as high as that of drivers 20 and older. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
• Drivers under the age of 20 have the largest proportion of fatal accidents involving distracted driving. (NHTSA)
• Teens with parents who set driving rules and monitor their activities are half as likely to crash, 71 percent less likely to drive intoxicated, 30 percent less likely to use a cell phone when driving and less inclined to speed (Governors Highway Safety Association)

How To Teach Teens To Drive Safely

While those statistics might sound alarming, there is hope. Teens with parents who set driving rules and monitor their activities are half as likely to crash, 71 percent less likely to drive intoxicated, 30 percent less likely to use a cell phone when driving and less inclined to speed.

 

Put On The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) is a non-profit 501(c)3 whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. With support from Kia Motors America – which includes 32 Kia vehicles – B.R.A.K.E.S. provides hands-on-defensive driving training at no cost to participants. To date, B.R.A.K.E.S. has trained more than 17,000 teens and their parents.

How To Teach Teens To Drive Safely

Founder of B.R.A.K.E.S., NHRA drag racing star Doug Herbert joined me recently to discuss how parents can develop a safe driving roadmap with their teens to instill safe driving habits.

How To Teach Teens To Drive Safely

Take a look at the interview below.

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To learn more tips on how to teach teens to drive safely and information on the B.R.A.K.E.S. program, visit: www.putonthebrakes.org.

How To Teach Teens To Drive Safely

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Meet Our Guest:

 

Doug Herbert is a professional drag racer and owner of Doug Herbert Performance Parts. A resident of Cornelius, N.C., Herbert grew up in California and began racing in 1986. He made his first start on the IHRA circuit in 1991 and quickly racked up 20 event wins as well as four IHRA Top Fuel championships. Since 1991 Herbert, who is also an accomplished pilot, has competed in the NHRA. Doug founded B.R.A.K.E.S. in honor of his two sons, Jon, 17, and James, 12, who were killed in a tragic car accident in January 2008. In addition to owning and operating his high performance parts business, Herbert continues to race on the NHRA circuit and is highly involved in the day-to-day activities of B.R.A.K.E.S.

How To Teach Teens To Drive Safely