It’s so Hard to Text Goodbye When You’re Gone
What do you think is the #1 killer of teens in America? Drugs? Suicide? Disease? Think again…
The answer: Car crashes. Reckless and distracted driving is the #1 killer of young people in America.
You may ask yourself, how many teens lose their lives to car crashes every year?
The answer: Almost 4,000 innocent lives are lost.
What’s even more alarming is that 60% of those who die are passengers in the car. Roughly 400,000 teens are seriously injured in car crashes every year.
This isn’t about bad kids doing bad things, but about good kids making poor choices. Crashes involve everyday behaviors we all do such as talking on the phone, texting, putting on make-up, having conversations with friends, adjusting the stereo, and eating and drinking (non-alcoholic).
These are just a few examples of things we all do, but when we choose to do them while behind the wheel of a car, they become deadly.
Driving is a complex task, requiring a driver’s full attention. Anything that diverts the driver’s eyes or attention from the roadway could result in a tragedy.
Don’t be afraid to speak up to your loved one, family member or friend who is behind the wheel of a car when your children are present.
The California Highway Patrol encourages parents to be a good example for their kid’s. Remember, distracted driving is 100% preventable and it’s all of our responsibility to keep the roads safe.
For more information go to: www.chp.ca.gov, www.nhsta.org, www.impactteendrivers.org and www.whatdoyouconsiderlethal.com
______________________________________________________
Join the conversation!
Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/CHPSouthernDivision
Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/CHPSouthern
Follow us on Instagram – www.instagram.com/chp_southerndivision
Image courtesy of Liz Marks
