(KNOX) – As National Teen Driver Safety Week approaches from Oct. 20-26, Vision Zero is calling on parents and guardians to have crucial conversations with their teen drivers about responsible driving behaviors.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death in North Dakota. In 2023 in North Dakota, teen drivers accounted for 6% of all licensed drivers but were behind the wheel in nearly 20% of all crashes and were involved in 6% of fatal crashes. Vision Zero is focusing on reducing injuries and fatalities by encouraging families to prioritize safety behind the wheel.
Inexperience combined with risk-taking behaviors – like speeding, driving under the influence, using a phone while driving, neglecting seat belts and driving with multiple passengers – is a dangerous mix that contributes to teen driver crashes, fatalities and injuries. Vision Zero Outreach Coordinators are committed to reducing these numbers through awareness, education and working closely with schools across North Dakota.
“As a parent or guardian, taking just 30 seconds to mention what a simple knob or button inside your vehicle does or explaining why you made that complete stop at a stop sign is extremely valuable education for teens when they’re passengers,” said Leah Kelm, Vision Zero Outreach Coordinator. “By giving your teen simple real-life tips over time, you can help model what responsible driving looks like.”
Vision Zero emphasizes the following critical reminders for parents and their teen drivers:
- Always buckle up. Every seat. Every trip. Every time.
- No distractions. Cell phone use is dangerous and illegal for teens.
- Always follow the speed limit and drive for road conditions.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and life-threatening.
- Limit passengers. The risk of crashes increases with more passengers in the vehicle.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
