• 14
  • February
    2012

There are few things more exciting for teenagers than receiving their driver's license. It caters to the common teen desires for freedom and independence, as well as an acknowledgement that they are on their way to becoming an adult. But while a license to drive is a symbol of adulthood for teenagers, unfortunately they do not always have the skill and judgment of more experienced older drivers.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, teenaged drivers are involved in three times as many fatal car accidents as other drivers. There are a number of reasons for this. While teen drivers may actually have faster reaction times than more experienced drivers, this does not seem to make up for the lack of experience and judgment. Another factor, and one that is the focus of a safety campaign, is that seat belt use is far lower among teen drivers than among other age groups.

In Texas, in excess of 90 percent of people regularly use their seat belts. Bu t teenagers use them less significantly frequently. For the second year in a row, the TxDOT is focusing its 'Click It or Ticket' campaign on teens. Texas law requires every occupant of a motor vehicle to wear a seat belt. Not wearing a seatbelt can result in a $250 fine and possible license suspension.

Even the safest drivers are at risk of being seriously injured in a car accident if another person drives negligently or recklessly. Even if teen driver followed every driving rule and employed the best judgment possible, they would still be involved in accidents due to the mistakes of others. But given the reality that teen drivers may not be as skilled as other drivers it is al the more important that they buckle up to reduce the risk of serious injury or death if they are involved in an accident.

Source: Channel 19 News, "Teens challenged to love life, buckle up," Amanda Roberson, Feb. 13, 2012