Teen Driver Safety Week

OCTOBER 20-26, 2024

Our Vision

All North Carolinians getting where they are going safely.

While North Carolina has a dynamic community of issue-specific transportation safety advocates, what was missing was one organization with expertise in conducting high-impact public communications efforts, providing effective grassroots and grasstops citizen engagement, and serving to champion public policies that promote better behaviors to combat perils to safety across all forms and manner of transportation.

The North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation (NCAST) was created to be that organization, with one goal in mind: reduce the number of transportation-related crashes, injuries and fatalities in North Carolina.

Our Mission

To drive behaviors that promote and encourage safe use of North Carolina’s transportation network.

A major focus of NCAST is promoting awareness of safety issues specific to younger motorists.

Teen drivers are especially at risk on the roads, with vehicle crashes the leading cause of death in America among those under 21.

The inexperience and impulsiveness of teen drivers is a significant reason for their high crash rates, making important the safety features of the vehicles they drive as well as getting plenty of supervised driving practice.

Initiatives

Hispanic Outreach

NCAST, in partnership with GHSP, has launched a Hispanic community-focused traffic safety awareness campaign across North Carolina. Click below to see the total campaign of print ads and radio commercials!

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October is Pedestrian Safety Month

The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to safer, healthier, and cleaner streets. Walking can also improve our local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces. Unfortunately, in 2022 there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes nationally— the highest total since 1981.

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Funding for Wildlife Crossings

Wildlife crashes cost over $10 billion and kill over 200 people in the U.S. every year. Wildlife crossings are a cost-effective solution that helps animals cross roads safely
and protects drivers from collisions.

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Flagger Force Work Zone Safety Campaign

Rick Pierce, Tiffany Wright, Joe Stewart, and Michael Gilchrist are presented with a check for $20,000 from Flagger Force, to support a public service ad campaign to promote better driving behavior in work zones on North Carolina roads and highways.

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SPOTLIGHT:

TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK
October 20-26

TEENS

It’s exciting to start driving and become more independent, however it’s important to remember that driving is a lifelong learning process. These first years are very important for you to build a solid foundation of safe driving habits. You need to know that car crashes are a leading cause of death for 15-18 year-olds. The greatest dangers include alcohol, inconsistent seat belt use, speeding and distracted driving. Also, limit your passengers because they can be a distraction.

No matter how “un-exciting” it might seem, learn and follow the rules to build safe driving habits that may save you, your friends, or others on the road.

PARENTS

Teens see a driver’s license as a step toward freedom, but many aren’t ready to have the same level of driving responsibility as adults. Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes due to lack of skills and experience. They speed, they make mistakes, and they get distracted easily – especially if their friends are in the car.

As a parent or guardian, you have more influence on your teen than you may think. Remind them that it is illegal to drink under the age of 21—and if they’re caught driving with any drugs or alcohol in their system, they could lose their license for years. Also remember to be a good role model and practice safe driving yourself.

To learn more, visit this link…