Understanding and Addressing Teen Driver Safety

By Brandie Majeau
National Teen Driver Safety Week took place from October 15 to 21. When Cyndi Nuemiller from AHS
Health Promotions in Westlock approached the Thorhild County Family Centre about hosting a teen
driver safety program, Tammy Kuefler jumped at the opportunity. On October 19, in partnership with
protective services and the Redwater RCMP detachment, families were given the opportunity to engage
with professionals, RCMP, and Thorhild County Enforcement Services to understand the effects of
driving behaviors in youth. In an opening statement, participants were provided with the following
information: “Youth and young adults are killed in road crashes at a higher rate than any other age
group under 75 years old. With road crashes being the third-leading cause of death among people aged
15 to 24 years old, this age demographic has the highest rate of involvement in fatal collisions per
100,000 licensed drivers.”

Through a variety of presentations, games, and YouTube videos, teens and their family members
became aware of the dangers of distractions while driving, including the types of distractions.
Comparisons were made, indicating that a fighter pilot is required to keep track of approximately 300
items during a regular non-combat mission, while the average driver needs to focus on 3000 items
during rush-hour traffic. Drivers were encouraged to be more aware of their surroundings, the
implications of higher speed, which equals higher risk, the dangers of driving while impaired (alcohol,
cannabis, etc.), how drivers are tested for impairments, and seatbelts; the majority of fatalities involve
individuals not wearing their seatbelts. Presentations also addressed the problem of cell phone
distractions in the vehicle while driving, with text messaging being a major interference, as well as the
viewing or creation of social media content while driving.

The event received great feedback, with parents even acknowledging that they need to set a better
example for their young drivers and do better to avoid distractions. One youth in attendance was asked
what he would do if he were a passenger in a vehicle with a distracted driver and immediately replied,
“Hey! Eyes on the road there, bud.” The program opened the door to a lot of questions, and answers
were provided. Due to its success, there is a possibility that this will become an annual event.