Operation Teen Safe Driving
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Ford Driving Skills for Life urges high school grads to drive safely
It's the time of year when teenagers celebrate the rite of passage called high school graduation and eagerly look forward to continuing their lives in various ways. Unfortunately, those lives can be threatened through unsafe driving practices and turn a celebration into a tragedy. Teens are reminded that this Web site is an excellent resource for this and anytime of the year in helping reduce teen fatalities.
Ford Driving Skills for Life has reached 300,000 teens, parents and educators since inception in 2003. Vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of teenagers in America. Check this site now for advice on four key skills - hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management. Lack of skill in these areas is the cause of 60 percent of teen crashes.
So as you're celebrating this summer and preparing for the year ahead, also remember to be safe on the road ahead.
Insist on safety belt use.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 31,693 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes during 2004 - and 55% of those killed were NOT wearing their safety belts at the time of the crash. >more
Drinking and driving don't mix.
More than a third of all teen traffic fatalities involve alcohol. It is illegal and highly dangerous for anyone to drive after drinking or using any other drug. No excuses. No second chances. No alcohol, period. It is illegal in all 50 states for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol, much less drink and drive. >more
Avoid distractions.
Driving demands full attention. Your responsibility is to operate the vehicle safely. Distractions like the radio, cell phones and passengers take your attention away from the road. Remember, increasing distractions increases the risk of a crash. >more
Pay attention to tire safety.
Safe operation of your vehicle requires that your tires be properly inflated. Remember that a tire can lose up to half of its air pressure without appearing flat. Every day before you drive, check your tires. If one looks lower than the others, use a tire gauge to check the pressure of all tires and adjust if required. >more