KANSAS CITY, Mo. — If you are the parent of a young driver, this might be a good time to go over the rules of the road and the importance of making good choices behind the wheel.
According to a new study, the number of 16 and 17-year-old drivers dying in car accidents across the nation rose during the first half of 2011. According to law enforcement officials, distractions are a prime cause of accidents among young people.
“When I go to a crash and I see the permanent effects these have on families, friends and communities, it’s truly tragic,” said Sgt. Collin Stosberg of the Missouri Highway Patrol, who says that the most tragic part was that there often a good chance that the accident could have been prevented – especially if young drivers are involved. “We find that teenagers are inexperienced, they do things distraction related, whether it’s on the phone, messing with radio.”
Those distractions often come with inexperience, and Sgt. Stosberg says that’s where parents can and should step in.
“Parents are responsible for their teenagers, making sure when they the keys to the family car that they make good choices,” said Sgt. Stosberg.
According to the study from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the number of accidents involving 16 and 17-year old drivers in Missouri rose in the first half of 2011, while Kansas saw a slight decrease in that time.
But whether the numbers are up or down, Sgt. Stosberg says that the number one goal should be to get all drivers from point A to point B safely. One way to do that is to remind younger, more inexperienced drivers that they aren’t invincible.
“When you are young, you feel those things happen to someone else they dont happen to you,” said Sgt. Stosberg. “Traffic crashes don’t discriminate. You look over the course of time, no matter how much money you make, or who you are, or who your family is you can still be in traffic crash.”