In 2007 the leading cause of death for teens 13-19 was motor vehicle crashes. Over the Month of May the Niles Police Department will be high lighting traffic safety for teens by promoting awareness through a variety of different methods. Social Media campaigns through Twitter and Facebook. Educational campaigns during high teen driving times, during early morning school hours and after school hours and selective enforcement campaigns by the Niles Police Department.
Over the last 10 years, teen drivers on average have represented less than 7% of the driving population but have accounted for more than 13% of drivers involved in all deadly crashes. From 2000 to 2009, more than 58,000 young people aged 15 to 20 were killed in traffic crashes. Many of these deaths were preventable.
Here are just a few facts to heighten your awareness of the risks facing teen drivers:
- Teenage drivers and passengers are among those least likely to wear their seat belts.
- Hand-held cellphone use was highest among 16- to 24-year-olds
- 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age.
- In 2008, 37% of male drivers ages 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time.
- In 2008, 55% of passenger vehicles occupants ages 16 to 20 who were killed in crashes were not buckled up.
- In 2009, 33% of the young drivers (15 to 20 years old) who were killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher; 28% had a BAC of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.