In the year 2000, nearly one out of every seven drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 was involved in a police-reported car accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Because of such high crash rates, teenagers should be prepared for post-accident moments; however, teens rarely are.
Senior Stephanie Cooney balked when she got into an accident. After she crashed her car into a highway guardrail on the way home from Pennsylvania, she sat confused and upset. "I was scared and shaking," she says. "I panicked. I didn't know what to do, whether to keep on going or try to get help." During that time, all Cooney could think about was how mad her mother would be when she found out about the crash.
Geico insurance agent Ty Ray feels that ignorance of proper accident procedure is widespread, but he hopes that it will be remedied through driver education classes. Ray recommends that drivers follow the following procedures in the event of a car accident.
Not following the necessary procedures can result in additional driving record points and higher insurance rates. While following these procedures is important, James reminds students to engage in safety precautions because of the potentially grave consequences of car crashes.
According to NHSTA the teenage fatality rate is about four times higher than the rate for other drivers. Additionally, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control cites a more willingness to take risks and less frequent use of seat belts as major differences between teens and other age groups.
Peralta urges students to wear their seatbelts in a car. "If I didn't have it on [when I got in the accident], I'd probably need an ambulance and have to wear a neck brace," she says. "The seat belt saved my life."
Jenny Alyono. Jennifer Alyono, a senior at Montgomery Blair High School, was born on October 8, 1984 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She attended Potomac and Cold Spring Elementary schools, and the magnet program at Takoma Park Middle School. This year she serves as Ombudsman, Managing Page Editor … More »
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