OUR TRAINING PROGRAM
TEEN ART PROGRAM INTRO
TEEN RESPONSIBILITY
TEEN TRAINING
PARENT ART PROGRAM INTRO
FOR SCHOOLS, YOUTH GROUPS & CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
HOMEPAGE
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There is a learning curve in the driving process. It is a process that should not be rushed. You can assist yourself with that process by increasing your awareness of the risks that are unique to teen drivers. Knowledge is power…arm yourself with the knowledge you need to keep yourself and others safe behind the wheel.
Are you aware that…
- 3,000 and 4,000 teens die each year on our highways; teens who are “good kids”. It’s not drugs, alcohol, guns or suicide…it’s automobiles that are killing you and your friends.
- 60% of teenage passenger deaths occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager.
- Distractions such as cell phones, CD’s/channel surfing, friends in the car, and eating all cause driver error. 94% of teens in a national survey reported seeing another teen distract a teen driver.
- Speed is a major cause of teen crashes. Slow it down and give yourself the time to react to situations.
- A teens search, scan, and reaction abilities are less developed than that of an adult driver.
- Teens see hazards as less dangerous than they really are. They just don’t recognize the dangers.
- A large portion of teens admit to feeling unsafe while driving with friends, yet are afraid to speak up about it.
- Research states that teens need more hands-on driving experience. It’s a psychomotor skill; the brain won’t learn it by talking about it, you have to repeatedly do it!
- Research states driver education programs have insufficient practical training, and use of interactive elements/ technology. Therefore, you should seek out more training and hands-on driving experiences.
- Research states defensive driving skill should be part of every teens training; sign up for a course...best money you or your parents ever spent.
- Understand that your brain is still maturing and you are more likely to have difficulty with impulse control, multi-tasking, distractions, and controlling risk-taking behaviors.
- 63% of accidents involving young drivers are “run-off-the-road” crashes. These occur when the vehicle drifts and two or all four wheels drop off the road. Learning how to avoid sudden moves or over-correcting is vital. Taking part in a defensive driving class can help you learn off-road recovery, skid control, and other life saving driving skills.
- You are more prone to drowsiness; you are up late doing homework or hanging out with friends, and then up early for school. Be aware of this and don’t drive when you are tired. According to the National Sleep Foundation, over half of all teen drivers reported driving while drowsy at least once in the last year, and 15% at least once a week!
- Don’t drive when experiencing emotional highs and lows; you are less likely to keep risky behavior in check. In a national teen survey over 70% reported seeing another teen drive in a “heightened emotional state”.
- Do you care more about the safety features of your car or how it “looks”? You can find safety ratings for most cars at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s web site.
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"I miss you so much, Ash. It's been a week since that tragic day. Your presence is felt all around me. I'll cherish the memories we've made and I'll hold them close to my heart forever. I never got the chance to say everything I wanted to, Ash. I could always hear you cheering for me at my soccer games and a big smile would spread across my face! You're truly an amazing and caring person. I don't think there was ever a time when I didn't see you and you didn't make me smile. 'Cause whenever I saw that beautiful smile, I couldn't help but smile right back. In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky. In my heart heart there will be a place for you, for all my life. I'll keep a part of you with me, and everywhere I am there you'll be!"
"Love you and miss you, Ash!"
(Moe, June 18, 2003)
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