The DMV Experience
Going to the DMV to get your driver’s license is a special moment that many teens look forward to for years. For nine long months you’ve been able to drive, but only with a parent. Your new license signifies more than driving- it gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want (provided you have a car and insurance, that is). Even if you’re only driving to school or work, there is still a new feeling of control and freedom unlike anything else.
However exciting this prospect is, however, many teens may forget an important part that comes with driving- responsibility. Here are a few important statistics that teens should know as well as UHS students reactions to getting their license a being a safe drivers
Here are 10 facts about teenage driving that I bet you didn’t know:
1) One in six teens deaths was caused by a motor vehicle accident.
2) In 2006, one teen died every hour on weekends.
3) Twenty-five percent of all teen drivers killed have a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher.
4) Fifty-eight percent of fatalities didn’t buckle up.
5) Eight teens die every day in DUI crashes.
6) Males are twice as likely as females to die or become injured in a car crash.
7) One out of every five licensed 16-year-old drivers will be in a vehicle crash.
8) For 16- and 17-year-olds, carrying just one passenger increases the crash risk by about fifty percent.
9) Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident and can slow a young driver’s reaction time to that of a 70-year-old.
10) Wearing lap/shoulder belts can reduce the risk of dying in a crash by fourty-five percent.
To sign a teen drivers pledge go to http://www.teensafedriverpledge.com/pledge
Sources :
–http://www.teensafedriver.com/facts/default.asp
–http://www2.courtinfo.ca.gov/stopteendui/teens/facts/teen-driving-crash-and-fatality-stats.cfm
–www.driverzed.org/zedalert/FactSheet_Teen_Driving_Stats.pdf
UHS Responds
How did you feel when you got your license?
“I don’t have my license yet, but I’m getting it in like a week, I’m really excited,” said Junior Loujain Fouly.
“It was exhilarating to drive freely,” said Junior Tessa Turner.
“ It’s not like a big deal, It just like learning to ride a bike it’s great at first then it gets terrible,” said Senior Jake Corley.
“Amazing, I felt like I had more freedom,” said Senior Jen Hart.
“Besides it being on a Monday before school, I felt personally good considering that I already had a car and had to drive places,” said Senior David Conover.
How are you a safe driver?
“I try and drive slow during the day,” said Junior Chris Fontaine.
“I wear my seatbelt!” said Junior Tiffany Walthour.
“I always make complete stops at stop signs,” said Junior Lexi Johnson.
“ I drive well, I don’t do stupid things,” said Senior Drew Martin.
About The Author
Hi! The first “fact” struck me as being so wrong, I did a little digging around to get the real facts. Here’s what you say, quoting teensafedriver.com:
“One in six teens dies in a motor vehicle accident.”
What this should be is that 1 in 6 teen =deaths= is due to motor vehicle accidents. That little change in wording makes a =huge= difference!
In 2008 teens comprised 10% of the U.S. population of 304.1 million–to be more precise, 29.7 million teens. If “one in six teens” were to die, that would be 4.95 million!
In fact, in 2008 only 4,054 teen deaths could be attributed to vehicle crashes. Not good, but not close to 4.95 mil!
Drive safely and politely, and double-check your facts! Happy New Year!
Hi! We’re sorry about that fact-we will be sure to change it. Thanks for helping us!