programs are a positive first step in giv- ing teens basic knowledge and skills, but research is clear that driver education by itself does not make a teen safe. However, parents too often regard driver education as the end of the learning process, not the beginning. Making teens safer drivers re- quires significant practice and consistent and attentive parenting to keep teens from driving in high-risk situations before and after they earn their license. Interviews with parents also suggest
many believe inappropriate teen behav- ior accounts for most teen crashes. Tis is an important disconnect that must be addressed. Since inexperience is the lead- ing cause of teen crashes, not behavior, getting teens the practice they need to become safer drivers is a responsibility that lies directly with parents. Te student transportation industry is
in a unique position in that it can serve as both role model and rule-enforcer. Novice drivers should be taught the laws of the road and the importance of GDL not only in driver education courses but in class- rooms. Student transportation agencies should learn how best to protect and edu- cate teens who choose to drive to school, and know what risks they will face during the first few years of licensure. Education is not just for parents and teens. Student transportation can help by understanding the importance of teen driving education and supporting parents with necessary educational knowledge. Tose in the student transportation
industry can host open meetings for par- ents whose teens will transition between taking a school bus to driving themselves to school. Tey can review their existing driver education curriculum and offer suggestions for improvement or changes. Education must precede legislation, and legislation is proven to save lives. To help educate everyone, NSC has
brought together parents, educators, lawmakers, business people and teens to participate in Teen Safe Driving Co- alitions.
Established in 10 states, the
coalitions are supported by Te Allstate Foundation and managed by NSC. Te coalitions in California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas
www.stnonline.com 49
are dedicated to saving lives through the proven principles of GDL. NSC also man- ages a coalition in Ohio. To join a coalition, email
teendriving@nsc.org. NSC also established the HEARTS
Network. Short for Honoring Everyone Af- fected, Rallying Te Survivors, the HEARTS Network connects families from across the nation whose lives have been changed for-
ever because of teen driving crashes. NSC and those in the student trans- portation industry are
dedicated to
protecting children and teens. It is imper- ative that we continue to work together to make our roadways safe. ■
John Ulczycki is the group VP for strategic initiatives at the National Safety Council.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56