Local law enforcement promotes National Teen Driver Safety Week

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — The ‘5 to drive’ campaign gives parents some talking points about dangerous driving habits that could have fatal consequences for their teen drivers.

With car crashes the leading cause of death in teens, West Tennessee law enforcement agencies have partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to promote Teen Driver Safety Week.

“Mainly the goal is just to make them aware that if you’re going to be on the roadways you need to do it safely,” Henderson County Sheriffs Deputy Amber Robertson said.

Law enforcement encourages parents to teach five practices that will keep their young drivers safe. At the top of the list, no drinking and driving or texting while driving. In 20 14, 10% of teens crashes involved a distracted driver.

“It’s not just you who you have to be aware of,” Robertson said. “You need to be a defensive driver. You need to be able to pay attention to everyone else that’s around you.”

Reminding teens to follow the speed limits is also a way parents can help protect their kids.

“Also majorly important to buckle up,” Robertson said. “Cause you never know what going to happen. It’s kind of an unexpected journey from point A to point B.”

Although this week is about having the conversation with teens about safety. It is also a reminder to experienced drivers to be cautious.

“Pretty much the only thing you can do is try to keep everyone as safe as possible, give them as much information as possible,” Robertson said. “Just do our job to keep it off the roadway.”

The fifth tip is not having more than one passenger at a time. According to national data, teen drivers are three times more likely to lose focus when traveling with multiple passengers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey show teens whose parents set firm driving rules typically take less risk when driving and are involved in fewer crashes.