Teens Behind the Wheel AWARENESS CAN SAVE LIVES
In South Carolina, the statistics are sobering. Teens here (ages 15–20) were involved in about 4.83 car accident deaths per 10,000 drivers during a recent two‑year period. One particularly terrifying metric claims that, on average, a teen‑driver collision in South Carolina kills or injures someone every 1.4 hours. So, why does National Teen Driving Awareness Month matter? Because awareness saves lives. It’s a chance for parents, teens, schools, and communities to talk and act before a crash becomes a tragedy. If you’re a parent or teen reading this, consider this month a wake-up call. Encourage safe driving habits: Always buckle up, avoid distractions (including putting down your phone), limit nighttime and unsupervised driving, and think twice before adding friends to the car. Every life saved means another story not cut short, and that makes January worth more than just a new beginning. It’s a commitment to safety, awareness, and care!
January is full of hope and excitement for a new chapter. It’s also more than just the start of a calendar year; it’s National Teen Driving Awareness Month, a moment to shine a spotlight on teen drivers, the risks they face, and how we can make the roads safer. Let’s start with some national context: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen drivers (ages 16–19) are far more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than older, more experienced drivers. In fact, the fatal crash rate for this age group is nearly three times higher than for drivers 20 and older, per mile driven. In 2023 alone, about 3,048 teenagers ages 13–19 lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, a dramatic reduction from decades ago, but still a heartbreaking toll. For every teen driver getting on the road for the first time, whether it’s running errands, driving to school, or heading to hang out with friends, this elevated risk looms. The dangers are especially high during the first months after getting a license, with the youngest drivers (around age 16) sandwiched between inexperience and ambition. Factors such as nighttime driving, peer passengers, inconsistent seatbelt use, and distractions (like texting) amplify the hazards.
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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for informational and marketing purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney.
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