Department of Safety
Dave Mitchell, Commissioner
Teen Driver Safety
Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone in one’s life. A driver license is an avenue to a whole new adventure. But, it brings with it a whole new world of responsibility. Safe driving is serious business in Tennessee.
A Matter of Life and Death
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tennessee is among the top 10 states for teen driver deaths. During recent years (2003-2006) more than 104,000 of Tennessee’s 16-19 year old drivers have been involved in a crash. More alarming, 680 of those were
fatal crashes resulting in 766 deaths.
It’s a fact that teens are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. A major culprit of these crashes and fatalities are inexperience and driver distractions.
Safety First
Drivers face challenges on the road every day. And, those who are new to driving have a responsibility to remain alert, obey the rules of the road and avoid distractions. It’s truly a matter of life and death.
In an effort to reduce teen crashes and help new drivers become comfortable behind the wheel, Tennessee follows a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
Seat Belts Save Lives
Seat belts really do save lives. They are your best defense in a crash. That’s why in Tennessee wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all drivers and passengers.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is active in the Click It or Ticket enforcement initiative. Click It or Ticket is a high-visibility education and enforcement campaign of Tennessee’s seat belt laws. Click It or Ticket initiatives are intended to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on Tennessee’s roadways by reminding everyone to buckle up.
Drinking & Driving Don’t Mix
Despite the fact that it is unlawful for teens to purchase alcohol, they face a far greater risk of death in an alcohol-related crash than the overall population. In Tennessee from 2003 – 2006, roughly 35 percent, nearly 3,000 , of all crashes involving a teen drivers also involved a presence of alcohol or drugs. Too many young drivers still don’t understand that impaired driving – operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any drug – has many consequences. The most tragic being the death of themselves or one of their passengers. But, violators of underage drinking laws often face a trip to jail, the loss of the driver’s license, and dozens of other expenses including fines, attorney fees and court costs. Plus, there is the added costs attributed to embarrassment, humiliation, and potential loss related to academic eligibility, college acceptance, and scholarship awards among many others.
Stop Speeding Before It Stops You
Nearly 12,000 teenagers ranging in age from 16 to 19 were involved in speeding-related crashes across the state from 2003 through 2006. Speeding, whether it’s driving above the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, can put not only you, but others around you, in an extremely dangerous situation.
For a driver, speeding can reduce one’s ability to negotiate curves or maneuver around obstacles, limit your reaction time, and increase the risk of crashes and injuries. All drivers need to remember there is a reason for posted speed limits. The roadways are dangerous and speed limits are designed to protect everyone – drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Disastrous Distractions
Making a call on your cell phone, accessing voicemail, texting, putting on makeup, playing with an iPod, or changing a CD can distract any driver, but for those new to driving, these actions can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes.
It’s against the law for teens in Tennessee to talk on a cell phone when driving. But that shouldn’t be the only precaution against distracted driving that teens should take. A driver’s focus should be on the road at all times.
Street Smart
Driver education is another method for improving the driving skills for inexperienced drivers and reducing crashes and injuries. Not only does driver education include behind-the-wheel experience, it also includes knowing the rules of the road and practicing safe driving habits.
Several school districts in Tennessee offer driver training to students and many driving schools throughout the state provide private instruction. Additionally, you can test your knowledge of Tennessee’s rules of the road by taking the department’s online practice tests.
Safety Training & Tips:
Related Teen Driver Resources:
