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.”
When establishing clear expectations for safe driving practices with their teens, parents should also communicate consequences for noncompliance that are significant to the teen driver and consistently enforced.
A safe driver is alert, provides full attention to the task of driving and exercises preventive
strategies to keep vehicle occupants and other road users safe.
“Teens must be encouraged to remain focused, drive sober, wear seat belts on every ride and adhere to the rules of the road,” urged VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal. Expectations set for teen drivers must also extend to their passengers, who are often their peers. “For teens, driving is a privilege that parents must be willing to revoke to protect both novice drivers and the community at large,” advised
Director O’Neal.
For more safe driving practices and information on creating parent-teen driving agreements, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director O’Neal at [email protected] or Occupant Protection Planner/Coordinator Denise Gomes at [email protected]. You may also contact the office via telephone at (340) 772-3025 or (340) 473-7383.