Parent Education Encouraged During Prom Season
The National Safety Council says distraction is a top issue for teen drivers.
According to a National Safety Council poll, teen drivers are aware of the risks associate with driving while distracted, with more than half reporting distraction by technology almost put themselves and others at risk. Only 28 percent of teens identified inexperience as the biggest risk.
The poll was produced as part of Global Youth Traffic Safety Month in May, a month during which prom and graduation can serve as distractions. "Car crashes remain the number one killer of teens. Certainly distractions—including smartphones, infotainment systems built right into the car, and even peer passengers—are risks teen drivers need to avoid," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "But it all boils down to inexperience. One of the best things parents can do is to stay involved and help their teen build the experience needed to become a safer driver."
In addition, 60 percent of teens described driving as somewhat stressful, according to the council's report.