There are too many stories of teen drivers becoming distracted and getting into serious accidents. Sadly, some never get the chance to learn from their mistakes.
This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week. We’re urging young drivers to pay attention when they get behind the wheel.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has made several videos that focus on the dangers teens face on the road. Those videos are available at ncdot.org and on the department’s YouTube page.
One video features Amos Johnson, a father whose 16-year-old daughter Ashley died in a car crash in May. Authorities determined that Ashley was receiving a text message that distracted her while she was driving.
Distracted driving among teenagers is a major concern. In 2009, 126 teens lost their lives in traffic crashes. Eight of those fatalities were caused by a distraction. More than 8,000 wrecks involving teens were the result of distracted driving.
We hope you take the time to watch Mr. Johnson’s video and remember that driving is a privilege, and it comes with great responsibility.
For more information about teen driving safety, visit or www.nhtsa.gov or www.distraction.gov.