Young people only make up 13% of all licensed drivers in this country, but they account for approximately one quarter of all road-related injuries and fatalities. Driver distraction is a factor in between 15%-19% of all fatal collisions involving teen drivers. And young people all have best friends. They are the people you make plans with, the people you talk to, and the people with whom you share the most important things. If you care about your best friend, let them know that teen driver safety is a huge issue in Canada. Join Parachute in making these completely preventable injuries a thing of the past, and ensure that you and your best friends remain Best Friends Forever.
BFFs Practice Safe Text
One in four young adults know someone who has been impacted as a result of distracted driving, so tell your friends to put the phone away when they are driving a car.
Curb the Texting
Almost all young adults feel that texting and driving is very dangerous, but over half still admit to doing it anyway. Don’t text and drive.
Focus on the Road, Not on Your Phone
Using your smartphone while driving quadruples your risk of a crash and taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles your risk of getting into a collision.
Friends Don’t Let Best Friends Text and Drive
Eight out of ten young adults said they would speak up if they saw a friend texting and driving, so be a leader and speak up if you see a friend texting and driving.
It’s Not Worth the Risk
Young adults believe that distracted driving is not as dangerous as impaired driving and almost 40 per cent of adults do not consider using a smartphone while stopped at a traffic light to be distracted driving. Cell phones and driving don’t mix.
