Everybody deserves to live healthy, happy lives. That includes teen drivers as well. The National Household Travel Survey indicates that the fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 year-olds is nearly three times the rate for drivers ages 20 and over. Risk is highest at ages 16-17. Events like the State Farm Teen Driver Safety Fair are hoping to make a difference and help teens regain their happiness without the fear of losing their classmates or even their own lives due to a driving mistake.
Despite the seriousness of driver safety, local teens were definitely smiling and enjoying themselves earlier this week at the two-day State Farm Teen Driver Safety Fair at the House of Hope on the city’s South Side. True Star served as an official partner of the event. Students from across Illinois were bused in from 12 different high schools from Rich Township Fine Arts High School to Lindblom Math and Science Academy. Students learned about how to stay safe on the road through various activations; they even wore goggles that stimulated drunk driving so they could see how it felt to drive impaired. The Jessie White Tumblers and Creation Global were also on hand to perform for the crowds. Some of the major gems that the students took from the event include the following tips:
Slow down on the road.
Maintaining a safe speed allows for you to be more aware of what is happening around you. You cannot control other drivers, but if a collision does happen, the amount of force behind the impact will be lessened.
Wear your seatbelt.
Most crash fatalities happen because the driver is not wearing a seatbelt. It isn’t the collision that kills them, but the injuries from flying out of the car are what cause death. Three seconds can make or break your life – be smart!
No drunk driving.
“If you feel different, you drive differently,” State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst Lisa Cooper told students. Drunk driving significantly impairs your senses, which decreases your awareness when driving. Take an Uber or call a ride… it’s not worth your life.
No phones on the road.
Driving distracted causes crashes. Something can happen in the one second you are looking down at your phone, where a crash is more likely to happen. It can be tempting, but the text can wait.
Comply when you are pulled over.
When you are pulled over, wait for the cop to tell you to get your license and registration to ease their nerves. Remember to always have a paper copy of your license and insurance. Remain calm and compliant, and increase your chances of having a good experience.
“I was really impressed with today… I think the information today was helpful, because young teenagers need to stay safe on the road,” Mireya, a student at Proviso West High School, explained to True Star. “My classmates and I were excited to come today because we didn’t have to be in school,” she laughed. “We learned a lot today.”
We look forward to next year’s fair!
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
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