(Fort Myers, FL: October 17, 2011) - The Fort Myers Police Department would like to remind families that October 16 - 22, is National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW). This week is dedicated to raising awareness and seeking solutions to unnecessary teen deaths on the road. Established by Congress in 2007 and held annually during the third week of October, its goal is to focus the country’s attention on the issue. This year’s theme is supporting parents in teaching their teens to drive. Studies show that teens who say their parents set rules and monitor their driving in a helpful, supportive way are less likely to crash and more likely to buckle-up. The National Safety Council offers the following tips for parents:
- Set a Nighttime Driving Restriction – Teens drive only 15% of their miles at night, but 40% of their fatal motor vehicle crashes happen during that time period. The NSC recommends no unsupervised driving after 10 p.m., earlier is even better.
- Set a Passenger Restriction - Having several teens in a vehicle turns it into a social environment where driving behavior can be negatively affected. The NSC recommends not allowing passengers younger than 18 during a teen’s first year of driving.
- Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving – The NSC estimates 23% of all crashes involve cell phone use each year. Teens are more likely to use cell phones behind the wheel than any other age group.
- Prohibit Alcohol – Drinking and driving remains a problem among teens. Every state has a zero tolerance law for underage drivers who drink. This means teen drivers cannot have any measurable alcohol in their system.
- Make Safety Belts Mandatory – Seatbelts are the most effective safety device in vehicles and everyone should be buckled in at all times.