Shocking Insights For Those Who Have A Teen Driving or Riding With Those Who Do

Bruce Murakami lost his wife and daughter to a tragic accident: a teen, street racing in a rented car, lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the mother and daughter's van killing them both. Over a period of tremendous mourning, Bruce decided to turn the tragedy into an act of forgiveness and humanism: he forgave the teen, and started a non-profit, called Safe Teen Driver, that raises awareness of the importance of teen realization of the real dangers of driving. As part of his work, Murakami has been working with Justin Cabezas--the teen who killed Murakami's wife and daughter--partnering up on their high school visits during which they talk to teens about the importance of safe driving habits and awareness. Of Cabezas, Murakami states that "he's a good kid who did something really stupid."

Here are some findings by Murakami that will strike you:

• The greatest cause of teen death is car accidents.

• Teen drivers carrying one teenage passenger have twice the risk of a fatal crash as teens driving alone.

• Teen passengers have twice the risk of a fatal crash as teens driving alone; and teen passengers are killed more frequently than teen drivers

• There is a higher level of distractibility with this generation of drivers than ever before: cell phones, texting, music, iPods.

• The part of the brain that controls judgment is not developed until the age of 22-24.

There are ways that you can talk to your teen about the dangers of driving, and better prepare him or her for the challenges and dangers of being a driver or passenger:

• You need to be concerned with all aspects of teaching your child road safety, as both driver and passenger. Some basic research of the risks before your child begins driving or going out with friends who do is both essential and basic.

• Know what your teen is doing, such as whom he or she is getting into the car with, where your child is going, and the number of passengers. You must take a proactive role when it comes to whom your child rides with.

• Look into safety options for your vehicle, for instance Ford's "MyKey" allows parents to disable their child's cell phone with a key, and sound continuous alerts if the driver and passengers don't wear seat belts. 

• Consider your own bad driving habits: riding without a seat belt, talking or texting on your phone, speeding, etc. Your behaviour is being modelled to your child.

• Have continuous discussion with your child about safe driving techniques, including learning how to communicate with him or her, and keeping those lines of communication open.

For two great websites in this regard, check out Kidproof, and Bruce Murakami's website Safe Teen Drivers--it is U.S.-based, but remains compelling and insightful for us here in Canada.