reeing To Drive Safely (NAPSA)—Increasingly, when it comesto safe driving, teens and parents know that safety is no accident. That’s why a growing numberof them are stepping up to sign an agreement that promotesbetter driving behaviors. Unfortunately, numerousstudies show that safe driving and teens don't always go together. First-year drivers in particular pose a risk to With the growing awareness of themselves and to others. drivers the problem of texting while drivage 16 have double the crash rate ing, the issue of distracted dri that 17- to 19-year-olds do. is taking on even moresignifi According to the Centers for cance for both parents and teens. Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leadThe agreement consists of a ing causeof death for U.S. teens. series of promisesthat teen drivers Theyclaim thelives of seven teens agree to follow, such as always daily, on average. Teens are three wearing a seat, belt, never texting, times morelikely than older driv- driving with both hands on the ers to be involvedin fatal wrecks. wheel and not having passengers. ‘Whenit comes to the reasons The fact that this is a joint behind these and other accidents agreementsigned by both children involving teen drivers, distracted and parentsis key toits effectiveness becauseit attemptstoreflect drivingis a leading cause. Research by the Children’s Hos- what really goes on behind the pital of Philadelphia found that wheel. Psychologists agree thatclearly just three types of errors led to nearly 50 percentofall serious teen outlining the negative consecrashes: distracted driving,failing quences of breaking an important rule increases the chances it will to see a hazard,and speeding. With the growing awarenessof be followed. the problem oftexting while drivYou can downloada copyof the ing, the issueof distracted driving agreement at www.accidentattor for both parents and teensis tak- neys.org. ing on even moresignificance. ‘A Safe driving Agreement To address this problem, several safety groups are promoting programs whereparents and children sign an agreement to avoid at-risk behaviors that can lead to accidentandinjury. Oneofthose groupsis the Accident Attorneys Organization. Its parent-teen driving agreement includes penalties for violating the agreement that teens and parents agreeto, such as loss of driving privileges for two weeks.
