North Carolina is the second most dangerous state in the United States for teen drivers, a new report shows. In fact, North Carolina had the second highest amount 16 and 17-year-old driving deaths in the country for 2011. The statistics have given the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration a reason to be concerned.
AAA is also taking a stand against current driver’s education requirements in North Carolina. Currently, North Carolina doesn’t meet national standards for time devoted to driving safety, which is 40 hours in the classroom and 10 hours behind the wheel. Though the current program does discuss safety issues, too much time is spent on maintaining one’s vehicle, and about which cars sell the best.
North Carolina schools should revamp their current drivers education classes. More time must be spent on teaching teens about the dangers of distracted driving, drowsy driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A special emphasis should be placed on wearing your seat belt, going the speed limit, and paying attention to the road. As a NC car accident attorney, I’ve seen far too many teenagers killed or seriously injured in these accidents caused by these careless decisions. As adults, we need to teach the next generation of drivers the best methods to protect themselves and others on the road.
Studies have shown that teen drivers are ten times more likely to get into a car accident than their middle aged counterparts. Talk to your kids about the dangers of driving drowsy, drunk or drugged, and remind them to always buckle up. It could save their life.