Is It Safe? - Teen Passenger Survival Tips
"Is It Safe? - Teen Passenger Survival Tips" is also available in PDF format. (PDF, 374KB, 2pg.)
So you or your friend have passed the driver's road test and can drive unsupervised. Before riding with a teen driver or driving with other teens in the car, think twice.
- Most teens killed in crashes were riding in vehicles driven by another teen.
- Crashes involving teen drivers kill the highest number of people in all age groups.
- Teens driving at night with passenders are 4-5 times more likely to crash than teens driving alone during the day.
- Even having only one teen passenger in the car increases the risk of a crash if a licensed adult driver in not present.
Teen Driver Checklist
- Drive sober.
- Avoid driving when tired.
- Give driving your full attention.
- Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up properly.
- Drive within the speed limit and follow traffic laws.
- Avoid night driving with other teen passengers, especially on weekends.
- Avoid giving rides to young children and younger brothers and sisters, even on short trips.
Passenger Safety Checklist
When riding in a car, remember to buckle up and be courteous to the driver. Before accepting a ride with someone, think about the following questions:
- Has this person had a driver's license for less than six months?
- Has the driver ever had a traffic ticket or been in a crash?
- Does the driver use a cell phone or play loud music when driving?
- Does the driver speed, follow other cars too closely, or drive in other reckless ways?
- Is the driver under the influence of alcohol or other drugs?
- Does the driver try to impress others through theri driving?
- Does the driver and/or his/her passengers ride unbuckled?
- Is the car full of teens
If the answer is YES to any of these questions, is it worth the risk?
State of New York
Eliot Spitzer, Governor
New York State Department of Health
Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner
Publication 3091
Published 05/07