- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Traffic crashes are a leading cause of fatalities for teens ages 15 to 18 years old.
Fall brings an increase in after-school activities, meaning more young and inexperienced teens are on the road. Getting a driver’s license is a huge milestone in a teen’s life, one that comes with greater responsibility for both teens and their parents.
Parents, with October 18th – 24th being National Teen Driver Safety Week, this is a great time to review safe driving measures and have those conversations with your teens about staying accountable on the road.
Finding the right time to review the rules of the road is a great start.
· Always buckle up. It’s a simple step that saves lives. Make sure everyone is buckled up before the vehicle starts moving.
· No drinking or drugs. Ever. It is illegal for teens under the age of 21 to drink and poses a great risk to themselves and others to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Remind teens of the seriousness of driving under the influence and that there are no exceptions.
· Limit distractions. One in three teens who text say they have done so while driving. While texting is a major distraction, it isn’t the only one teen drivers face. Additional passengers, eating, or anything that takes their focus from the road can pose a risk. Parents can encourage teens to limit distractions and keep their full attention on the road, not their phones.
· No speeding. Actions speak louder than words. Parents can set a good example by following posted speed limits, helping encourage their teens to do the same.
· Limit extra passengers. In Massachusetts, teen drivers with a Junior Operator License (JOL) are prohibited from carrying any passengers under the age of 18 (except for siblings) for the first 6 months after obtaining their license. Keeping the number of teens in a car to a minimum helps limit distractions and ensures safer rides.
National Teen Driver Safety Week is a great opportunity for parents to have meaningful conversations with their teens, review the rules of the road, and reinforce the importance of safe driving. The Mapfre Insurance-sponsored MassDOT Highway Assistance Program is on patrol to help all motorists, including motorcyclists, on the highways. Patrol operators monitor some of the state’s busiest highways around Metro Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cape Cod (seasonal). The Highway Assistance Patrol covers 13 major state roadways and interstates, the Emergency Service Patrol covers the Mass Pike (I-90) from New York to Boston, and the Incident Response Operators cover the Metropolitan Highway System and tunnels. The Highway Assistance Patrol is in service Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. During holidays, there are extended routes in heavy-traffic areas. On I-90 and in Boston’s tunnel system, assistance is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Written by,
Your friends at Mapfre Insurance
