Minnesota Teen Drivers Minnesota Teen Drivers The data presented is based on teenage driver crashes from Minnesota during 1998 through The data presented is based on teenage driver crashes from Minnesota during 1998 through Compiled by J. M. Christensen

Teen Driver Crash Prevention Teen Driver Crash Prevention How are teenage drivers different from other drivers? What can teenagers do to prevent crashes?

Teen Driver Crash Types Teen Driver Crash Types Note: Most teen crashes involve another car. Note: Few fatal or severe crashes show on this graph.

Myths About Teens / Teens don’t use seat belts much of the time.

Teen Seat Belt Use Teen Seat Belt Use Note: Almost all teens in fatal crashes did not have a seat belt on. Note: In severe injury crashes Seat belt use is about even. Note: The less serious the crash the more likely seat belts are used.

Solution Number 1 / 1. Wear your seat belt. Seat belt use reduces the severity of injury when a crash occurs.

Teen Driver Crash Types Teen Driver Crash Types Note: Following 3 seconds back could reduce these. Note: Some of these are also from following too close.

Solution Number 2 / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. A safe following distance can allow a driver to have time to react and prevent crashes.

Myths About Teens / Teens don’t use seat belts much of the time. / Teens have many crashes late at night. / Teens don’t use seat belts much of the time. / Teens have many crashes late at night.

Teen Driver Crash Times Teen Driver Crash Times Note: Teens have two natural sleep cycles each day. Midnight to 9:00 am and 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Note: Few teen crashes happen late at night. Note: Most teen crashes happen before and after school or work hours.

Solution Number 3 / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. / 3. Be alert when you drive. / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. / 3. Be alert when you drive. Teens need to be aware of their level of alertness especially before 9:00 am and after 3:00 pm. Avoid distractions like cell phones, passengers and emotions such as anger.

Myths About Teens / Teens don’t use seat belts much of the time. / Teens have crashes late at night. / Teens think they are invincible. / Teens don’t use seat belts much of the time. / Teens have crashes late at night. / Teens think they are invincible.

Teen Crash Seriousness Teen Crash Seriousness Note: Most teen crashes involve property damage only. 96+% have no or minor injuries. Note: 99.98% of teens do not have a fatal crash so maybe they have a reason to think they are invincible. Note: Less than 4% of teen crashes involve a fatality or critical injury. No crashes

Teen Driver Crash Factors Teen Driver Crash Factors Note: Very few teen crashes involve impairment like alcohol. Note: As expected inexperience is often listed as a factor. Note: The big three factors in teen crashes are inattention failure to yield right of way and speed. Note: Following too close is a big problem.

Solution Number 4 / 1. Wear your seat belt / 2. Stay 3 seconds back / 3. Be alert when you drive / 4. Maintain a safe speed / 1. Wear your seat belt / 2. Stay 3 seconds back / 3. Be alert when you drive / 4. Maintain a safe speed Teens need to realize how increased speed decreases control, attentiveness and ability to see potential problems.

Solution Number 5 / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. / 3. Be alert when you drive. / 4. Maintain a safe speed. / 5. Drive with lights on. / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. / 3. Be alert when you drive. / 4. Maintain a safe speed. / 5. Drive with lights on. One last suggestion: Driving with lights on helps other drivers see you and can prevent some crashes.

Keep these ideas in mind. / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. / 3. Be alert when you drive. / 4. Maintain a safe speed. / 5. Drive with lights on. / 1. Wear your seat belt. / 2. Stay 3 seconds back. / 3. Be alert when you drive. / 4. Maintain a safe speed. / 5. Drive with lights on. What would happen if all teens wore their seat belts ? What would happen if all teens kept a reasonable following distance ? What would happen if all teens made sure they were alert while driving ? What would happen if all teens drove at a reasonable speed ? What would happen if all teens drove with lights on ? What would happen if you did all 5 of these ?