Being a responsible driver means that I will:
- Obey traffic signs and signals
- Wear a seat belt at all times and make sure my passengers do the same
- Limit distractions such as talking or texting on a cell phone – (It will actually be illegal as of July 1st, 2008 for teens to use cell phones or text, even with “hands free” devices.)
- Respect graduated licensing laws
- Abstain from using alcohol or drugs
- Avoid reckless driving (for example, tailgating)
- Control my emotions to prevent road rage
- Avoid speeding, racing or driving aggressively
“12 Jumbo Jets Packed With High School Students Crash, Killing All On Board”
If when reading this headline you feel surprised or compelled to understand it more, then you may also be surprised to know that 6,000 - 8,000 teenagers die each year on roads in the USA.
That is equivalent to a jumbo jet full of teenagers crashing every month!
It is the equivalent of 4 Titanics sinking each year!
Vehicle crashes are by far the leading cause of teenage deaths and injuries in the USA.
Presumably you are not so much affected by the 12 jumbos that are smashed to pieces but more by the implication of a terrible loss of life. Of course airplanes and cruise ships are made to be inherently safe and this headline will hopefully never be a reality. Unfortunately, however, our teenagers are dying unnecessarily at these rates and yet there is no public outcry like there would be if this headline were true.
So, when we know that teens are dying by the thousands in vehicle crashes each year why are we not affected the same way as we are when we hear of an air disaster?
How do we make our teenage drivers as safe as a jumbo jet?
MAXWELL’S PLEDGE
Have you taken the pledge?
1988 - 2007
Take the Pledge today!
Maxwell's Pledge empowers teenage drivers to reduce the incidents of unsafe driving by challenging their peers to be responsible for their passengers, while observing the rules of the road. By voluntarily signing Maxwell's Pledge each student will agree to be a responsible driver/ and a vocal passenger and be a part of the reduction of unsafe driving by teenagers. When the teenager voluntarily signs the Maxwells Pledge they will receive a windshield decal (Maxwell's Pledge) logo that can be displayed on the vehicle. These decals will become a reminder to the community that this teenage driver cares about driving safely and will be a responsible driver when they have a passenger.
