Road Safety for Young Drivers FAW

TRINIDAD ANDTOBAGO POLICE SERVICESRaofaedtyFOR YOUNG DRIVERS

It’s a fact: teenagedrivers account formore auto accidentsthan any other agegroup.According to the World Health Organisation everyday just over 1000 young people under the age of25 years are killed in road traffic crashes aroundthe world. Road traffic injuries are the leadingcause of death globally among 15–19-year-olds,while for those in the 10–14-years and 20–24-yearsage brackets they are the second leading cause ofdeath.However, by practising safe driving techniques- such as driving defensively - you can decreasethe odds and keep yourself (and your passengers)safe on the road.Safety Tips for TeenDriversWhether you’re just getting ready to hit the roador have been driving for months - or even years -take some time to review these eight safe drivingtips.

1) Keep Your Cell Phone OffMultiple studies indicate that using a cell phonewhile driving is equivalent to driving drunk - that’seven when using a hands-free phone.2) Don’t TextResearch show texting - on average - causes a lossof focus on the road for 4.6 seconds. You can drivethe length of a full football field in that time. A lotcan go wrong while you drive the length of a footballfield without your eyes on the road.Don’t try the “texting-while-stopped” approacheither. When you have your head down, youwon’t notice key developments that may occur.Remember, you still need to pay attention to theroad when you’re stopped.

3) Turn on Your HeadlightsUsing your headlights increases your visibility andhelps other drivers see you, even when you feel likethere is still light out.In the early morning and early evening (dusk), youneed to use your lights or other drivers might notsee you, which can be disastrous.4) Obey the Speed LimitsSpeeding is a major contributor to fatal teenaccidents. That’s especially true when driving onroads with lots of traffic, or with which you’re notfamiliar.Don’t feel pressured to keep up with traffic if itseems like everyone else is flying by you. Drivingat a safe speed helps ensure your well-being, andkeeps you away from costly traffic fines.

5) Minimize DistractionsIt may be tempting to eat, drink, flip around theradio dial, or play music loudly while you’re cruising,in the neighbourhood however, all of these activitiescan cause your mind or vision to wander, even for afew seconds.As an inexperienced driver, you are more likelyto lose control of your vehicle. Distractions cansignificantly increase the chances that you:1) Not notice impending danger or notice it too late.2) Lose the ability to control the vehicle.6) Drive SoloHaving a single teen passenger in your car candouble the risk of causing a car accident. Addingadditional teen passengers causes the risk toescalate.

7) Practice Defensive DrivingAlways be aware of the trafficahead, behind, and next to you,and have possible escape routesin mind. Stay at least three carlengths behind the car in front ofyou at slower speeds, and maintaina larger buffer zone with fasterspeeds.It is recommended that teens takean approved defensive drivingcourse to improve driving skills.

8) Choose a Safe CarIf possible, drive a safe car with thelatest safety equipment (such asanti-lock brakes, electronic stabilitycontrol and airbags), and one withan excellent crash safety record.Teens BecomingSafe DriversThere’s no substitute for drivingexperience, but by applying theabove tips you can enhance theodds that you won’t become ateenage driver accident statistic.Also, when you have a good drivingrecord free of accidents, it’s easierto acquire cheap car insurance inthe future.

TRINIDAD ANDTOBAGO POLICE SERVICE For More Information Contact:Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch 17 Garden Road, AranguezTelephone 675-4061 Fax: 623-0666 or Call our Customer Care Hotline 800-TTPS (8877)