Parents hold the key to teen driver safety

FREDERIKSTED — Nationally, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18 years old.

According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, there were 2,608 people killed in crashes involving teen drivers, of which 861 were fatal for the teen driver. To address this issue, the Virgin Islands Office of Highways Safety (VIOHS) joined the nation in promoting National Teen Driver Safety Week.

In the territory, data for teen drivers are equally critical. In FY 2022, there were 429 crashes

involving teen drivers – 9.36% of the year’s total crashes. In addition to inexperience and

immaturity, other contributing factors to teen injuries and fatalities on the roadways include

speeding, alcohol use, distracted and drowsy driving, transporting disruptive passengers, and

seat belt non-compliance.

“Communicating your expectations for safe traffic behaviors to your teen is essential,” Police Department Commissioner Ray A. Martinez said. “Safe driving reduces your young driver’s risks for crash-related injuries and fatalities, while keeping other road users safe.”