Teenagers are the riskiest drivers on the roads. In the United States motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2010 approximately 2,700 teenagers in the United States aged 16-19 were killed and almost 282,000 treated and released from emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes.
One reason for these alarming statistics is that newly licensed teenagers are inexperienced drivers. However, an equally important reason is that teenagers are easily distracted. Currently, teenagers represent the largest group of distracted drivers on the road.
Distracted driving is the cause of 11 percent of all car accident fatalities among teenagers. Distracted driving is dangerous and can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Distracted driving includes:
1. Visual distractions that take a person's eyes off the road. 2. Manual distractions that take a person's hands off the wheel. 3. Cognitive distractions that take a person's mind off driving.
These distractions are brought on by activities such as using cell phones, changing music, talking to passengers in the vehicle and eating while driving.
One out of every four car accidents involves distracted driving. 43 percent of teenagers acknowledge talking on their cell phones while driving. Nearly 40 percent of American teenagers report that they have been in a car when the driver used their cell phone in such a manner that put themselves and others at risk of danger.
Distracted driving can be any activity that sidetracks the driver. Once sidetracked the driver's attention is focused on something other than driving. This includes such things as daydreaming, arguments, problems with friends, etc. Additional reasons for distracted driving include the following:
Passengers: Teen drivers are particularly at risk of having accidents when other passengers are in the car. Friends tend to contribute to crashes by distracting the driver and promoting risky driving behaviors such as speeding or tailgating.
Cell phones or smartphones: One result of using a cell phone or a smartphone is that they cause driver distractions. Judges in some states have ruled that operating a phone for GPS, texting or anything else are distractions and illegal. However, hands-free phones may be allowed
Texting: Text messaging is the most alarming distraction because it creates multiple distractions. It is a visual distraction because it takes your eyes off of the road while you read and respond to the message. This can result in a deadly crash even if you only have your eyes off the road for a few seconds. Additionally, it is a manual distraction in that your hands are off the wheel while you hold the phone. Finally, it is also a cognitive distraction because your mind is focused elsewhere rather than on your driving.
Defensive driving courses can benefit both new a nd experienced drivers. However, defensive driving courses are especially beneficial for teenage drivers. Drivers should always be focused and alert while driving. Defensive driving courses will teach skills to students which will enable them to improve their focus and concentration. They will also enable students to anticipate and avoid road hazards. Additionally, they will help students become more aware of their surroundings on the road. Defensive driving equips students with the ability to anticipate problems before they happen. Defensive driving is the ability to be proactive as opposed to passive while driving.
Post Title
→Why Teenagers Should Learn Defensive Driving Techniques
Post URL
→https://running4daisy.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-teenagers-should-learn-defensive.html
Visit running4daisy for Daily Updated Wedding Dresses Collection
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteToday teenagers sit and handle the steering with high speed. Never think about the harness so by knowing the vehicle recovery techniques enhances the a safety features more. Thanks for sharing blog
ReplyDelete