This week is national teen driver safety week

(Ottawa) – National Teen Driver Safety Week is a public awareness campaign to educate young drivers about road safety.

“Drivers aged 15 – 24 make up the largest number of injuries and deaths on our roadways,” said Ottawa Police Traffic Sergeant Eddy Yeoumans. “Distracted driving, speeding, impairment and failure to use seat belts are commonly involved in collisions with young drivers behind the wheel.”

Young drivers also make up the largest number of single vehicle collisions.

“When you are driving, make it your number one priority,” said Sgt. Yeoumans. “Your life, your passengers’ lives and the lives of other road users are at stake. Nothing should take your attention from the roadway.”

We all have a responsibility when it comes to helping young drivers be safe drivers.

Parents:

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 Teach children safe driving behaviour by being a safe driver yourself.


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 Monitor your teen’s driving, even after they get their licence.

Passengers:

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 Don’t distract the driver.


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 Speak up if the driver is speeding or using the phone.


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 Wear your seatbelt.

Drivers:

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 Make safe driving your number one priority.


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 Follow the speed limit. Speeding makes the vehicle harder to control and increases stopping distances required to avoid hazards or unexpected road conditions, as well as other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.


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 Texts and phone calls can wait until you are at your destination, or safely pull over and stop driving to use your phone.


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 Buckle up, no matter how short the distance you are driving.