Louisiana State Police News V1

LSP Article Full View

Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=3350

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
3350 2014-10-20 Troop D Troop D to Participate in Teen Driver Safety Week


TROOP D NEWS RELEASE

October 20, 2014
Troop D to Participate in Teen Driver Safety Week

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the U.S. In fact, almost half of the teen drivers involved in a crash die. To bring attention to this issue, October 19-25 has been declared National Teen Driver Safety Week.

Troopers from Troop D provide safety presentations throughout the year to educate teens on the importance of safe driving. While education is our preferred method of encouraging safe driving habits, this week we will be focusing our enforcement efforts on teen drivers by visiting schools in the Troop D area. We will be looking for illegal cell phone use, monitor seat belt usage, and look for unsafe driving behaviors.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take a few minutes and discuss the importance of safe driving habits with their teens. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following “5 to drive” recommendations:
        1. No Drinking and Driving.
          Set a good example by not driving after drinking. Remind your teen that drinking before the age of 21 is illegal, and alcohol and driving should never mix.

        2. Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Front Seat and Back.
          Lead by example. If you wear your seat belt every time, your teen is more likely to follow suit. Remind your teen that it’s important to buckle up on every trip, no matter how far.

        3. Put It Down. One Text or Call Could Wreck It All.
          Remind your teen about the dangers of texting or dialing while driving, and that the phone is off-limits when they are on the road. Louisiana state law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving. It’s equally important to model safe driving habits for your teen—you shouldn’t text and drive either.

        4. Stop Speeding Before It Stops You.
          Drive the speed limit and require your teen to do the same. Explain that every time your speed doubles, your stopping distance quadruples.

        5. No More Than One Passenger at Any Time.
          Don’t allow your teen to drive with more than one passenger at a time.
Contact Information:
Sgt. James Anderson
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (337) 491-2932
james.l.anderson@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice
No attachments for this article.