A 2024 study from the driving education platform Zutobi says over the last three years, Kentucky had the most teen driving fatalities in the country.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet also says over the last three years, Kentucky saw more than 47,000 crashes involving teen drivers, with 210 of those being fatal.
With new legislation allowing 15-year-olds to apply for their driver’s permit, those in public safety are reminding families of some driving advice that could be lifesaving.
Richmond Police Chief Rodney Richardson said of the teen-involved crashes he has worked, distracted driving seems to be a leading cause. They were either on cell phones or just driver inexperience, not checking before they pull out in the intersection, just simple mistakes that one may not make later on after a little experience.
Lori Weaver Hawkins with AAA Blue Grass says speeding and driving under the influence also contribute to high teen driving fatalities.
Arrive Alive Tour adds a habit that sets teen drivers in Kentucky apart from other states is a lack of seatbelt use.
Arrive Alive Tour says 63% of teen driving fatalities here in the Commonwealth were unbelted.
Hawkins says that although the new permit eligibility age is 15, you should always evaluate if your child is ready for the responsibilities that come with driving. If not, its okay to wait until they are.
Source: WBKO
You must be logged in to post a comment.