Public Health Association of BC Public Health Association of BC

October 15-21, 2017 is Teen Driver Safety Week!

Teen Driver Safety Week

October 15 – 21, 2017

 

Get Home Safe

 

Being a teenager is an exciting time in one’s life, and learning to drive can be both exciting and challenging.

 

While encouraging teens to hit the road, the BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit (BCIRPU) would like to remind everyone that young driver (aged 16-25) safety is a significant issue in BC. Youth are overrepresented in all road-related injuries and deaths.

 

Statistics show that on average each year in BC,

  • 28 young drivers die as a result of a Motor Vehicle Crash;
  • 71 people die from crashes involving young drivers;
  • 32,000 crashes where at least one youth (16 to 21) is involved (drivers and passengers)
  • Speeding, driving while impaired (by drugs or alcohol) and distracted diving (by texting or using other electronic devices) are main reasons for a large number of these injuries and deaths.

 

The good news is that these injuries are predictable and can be prevented through evidence-based interventions.

 

Here are a few Teen Driver Safety Week reminders for all of us:

  1. Mind your speed and exercise patience
  2. Don’t take drugs and drive
  3. Don’t drink and drive
  4. Have a designated driver when you party
  5. Don’t text and drive

 

For more resources on teen driver safety, please see the links below:

Young drivers: a population at risk – BCIRPU Injury Insight

ICBC’s tips for teaching your teen to be a safe driver

Encourage your friends and family to share this message through newsletters, websites, and social media. For more information on National Teen Driver Safety Week 2017, visit http://www.parachutecanada.org/NTDSW. Share your safety tips and posts on social media with the hashtag #GetHomeSafe.