As a New York City car accident lawyer, I recently posted to my New York Injury Lawyer Blog a report encouraging parents to put in the extra hours when supervising teen drivers.
Research studies indicate the better prepared a teen is before getting behind the wheel alone, the less likely they are to be involved in a serious or fatal New York City car accident.
And it is no secret that car accidents are the leading cause of death among teens, claiming on average 3,000 young motorists aged 15 to 19 each year. Ford Motor Company would like to change that, and in 2003 formed a partnership with the Governors Highway Safety Association to create a mobile (and interactive) young driver education program that this year will reach 15 states. A high school in Albany, N.Y. is among them.
Now in its ninth year, Driving Skills for Life will reach out to young drivers at 30 high schools nationwide with curbside driving clinics, online training stations and public-service announcement contests that aim to raise teen awareness about the importance of safe driving. DSFL programming focuses on four key areas known to be responsible for more than 60 percent of teen car accidents: vehicle handling, recognizing hazards, distracted driving and speed/space management.
“Inexperience is the leading cause of crashes in young drivers, and this program delivers the key skill sets that will increase their knowledge, confidence and, ultimately, their safety,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford is passionate about helping young drivers learn the rules of the road, better manage distractions behind the wheel and help make America’s roads safer for us all.”
Last year, for the first time, students were asked to participate in an open competition to compose, perform and produce a song and video bearing a safe-driver message. Last year’s national “Belt It Out” contest winners received $5,000 savings bonds. Second place earned $3,000 savings bonds and third place earned $1,000.
The GHSA reports the contest will be held again this year with applications being accepted between Feb. 1 and May 1, 2011. Winners will be announced in July.
As a New York City personal injury lawyer, Nicholas Rose understands that being injured in an accident is often one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. We would like you to know we are available for a free and confidential consultation if you have been injured. To schedule an appointment, call us at 1-877-313-ROSE (7673).
