100 deadliest days: Key risk factors for teen drivers
Melanie
June 18, 2012
Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety Warns Young Drivers that Summer is No Time to Take a Vacation from Safe Driving Behaviors
While most people may assume that teens driving in the thick of winter – when it’s dark, cold and wet – would be more dangerous than driving on sunny, warm days, a recent study from AAA states it is actually the summer months that are the most dangerous. In fact, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is considered the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers.
“Teens are spending much more time in the car during June, July and August – since they’re out of school and traveling with friends more often,” said Shannon Lara, senior manager, marketing communications for Honeywell Friction Materials. “Sadly – on July 4 alone – an average of 28 teenagers die in motor vehicle crashes.”
Check out this quick Video
Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety, a campaign aimed at educating parents and teens on safe driving and vehicle care, is launching its third video to help bring attention to this dangerous driving season, and alleviate potential problems by making parents and teens aware of three key risk factors that could affect their summer driving.
1. Teens are more likely to speed and tailgate, yet they do not react as quickly as a more experienced driver. A Honeywell Friction Materials study also suggests teens are driving vehicles that average at least 10 years or older and may have a badly worn braking system if not properly maintained. That means new drivers are potentially relying on outdated brakes, along with inexperienced skills, to stop their vehicles.
2. Teens are less likely to wear their seatbelts. According to Honeywell’s survey, even though 90 percent of parents have talked to their teens about the importance of wearing a seatbelt, these young drivers are not following through. Yet having to stop suddenly at 30 miles per hour would have the same impact as if a teen fell three stories out of a building.
3. Teens admit to doing multiple tasks while driving. Distractions – in the form of both mobile devices and other passengers – are probably the most dangerous risk factor as they account for more than 80 percent of all crashes, according to AAA.
During summer, there is no shortage of teens driving together – but Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety suggests parents limit the number of passengers in their teen’s vehicle, as data from AAA reveals that having one teen passenger could double a young driver’s risk of getting into a fatal crash, while having three or more quadruples their risk.
“Helping teens and parents become more aware of how dangerous these risk factors are is key to curbing the number of accidents and crashes,” said Lara. “That’s why we will continue to promote safe driving habits that start before teens even turn the key.”
Visit Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety on Facebook or YouTube for the latest educational video and for more useful tips and information on being a safe teen driver.
Friction Materials LLC, a business unit of Honeywell International Inc., is headquartered in Glinde, Germany. Serving both original equipment and aftermarket customers, products offered include Bendix® and Jurid® friction materials and hard parts. For more information, log on to www.bendixbrakes.com.
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
Advertisements
6 Comments
-
Maureen Timerman
My Grandson is 14 and rather dread what is coming.
It is even worse when they are with their peers. -
My Journey With Candida
Do you know how many people I see on their cell phones when driving…. and it is not just teens. They are so busy talking that they pull right out in front of us. This happens a lot.
When I am driving, I will not touch my phone.I have 2 teen Grandkids driving. Kind of scary I am going to get them to watch the video.
-
Grace
I was always a safe driver and warned my kids when they started but it is true that so many times what they think is okay can lead to a terrible accident
-
Terri
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have a (shudder) 16 yr old driver and I am making her read and watch!
-
Becky Jane
Our daughter just got her drivers license last week. She's a pretty safe driver still, but this post is one I'm going to save and show her…thanks!
It's so good to be back and visiting your blog! Happy Monday Sweetie!
Computer Repair Sacramento
Start the conversation about your safe-driving expectations early and “check-in” with your teen on an ongoing basis. You’ll probably receive some eye rolls, but remind them that the rules you set are intended to keep them safe. Arm yourself with safety articles, statistics and tools from Parents Are The Key, (www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey). Consider their recommended “Graduated Driver Licensing” approach that starts off relatively restrictive and allows more privileges over time as your teen gains driving skills. AliveAt25 (www.safetycenter.org/com_aliveat25.html#Teen) helps you find teen driving safety courses developed by the National Safety Council.