Sunday. Kicked off National Teen Driver Safety Week

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wrecks are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 18.

Over the past three years in Kentucky, there were more than 42,000 crashes involving teen drivers Resulting in more than 12,000 injuries and 162 deaths.

Talking or texting on cell phones, talking to passengers, adjusting audio and climate controls in the vehicle, and eating or drinking while driving are all examples of  distractions that lead to accidents . Additionally, headphones are not safe to wear while driving, as they can distract a driver from hearing horns or other important sounds.

Wearing a seat belt is the best protection against injury and death, yet according to NHTSA, teens are less likely to be buckled up than any other age group.

Limits are put in place to protect all road users. Driving over the speed limit greatly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve. According to NHTSA, young males are most likely to be involved in speed-related fatal crashes.

All teens are too young to legally buy, possess, or consume alcohol, but they are still at risk. Once a person takes a drink, impairment begins. Alcohol slows reflexes, weakens coordination, blurs eyesight, gives a false sense of being in control and leads to risky decision-making. Like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs also affect a driver’s ability to safely react to their surroundings.

Being aware of the deadly consequences of unsafe driving practices can help encourage teens to exhibit safe driving behaviors.