Summer warnings for teen drivers: The Art of Driving, our May Community Outreach Partner

First, some facts: 23% of teen drivers are more likely to drive with three or more teens in the car in the summer, compared to 6% of teen drivers who are more likely to do so during the school year.

• 48% of all teen driving fatalities were single vehicle crashes.
• Approximately 3,000 15-20 year-olds are killed each year in vehicle crashes.
• Alcohol and drugs are not major causes for these fatalities – representing only 20%.
• 54% of all teen passenger deaths occurred when another teen was driving.
• The teen brain has not fully developed until the mid 20’s. They are susceptible to distractions, risk taking behaviors, and a limited capacity to multi-task.
• Inexperience and distractions are the leading cause of teen driving fatalities, particularly for 16 and 17-year-olds.
• The majority of teen auto fatalities occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Most of those deaths occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight.

So what can we, as parents, grandparents, and friends, do to keep our children, grandchildren and friends safe on the road? Education is one of the best ways to help and there is no better place to learn about teen driving safety than The Art of Driving, founded by Robin Thompson after she tragically lost her 16 year old daughter, Ashley Renee Thompson, in a single vehicular crash in 2003. Robin’s passion is now educating the public on how we can keep our teens safe on the road. The Art of Driving offers teen awareness and responsibility training, parent awareness and responsibility training, a teen task force, and programs brought into schools, youth groups and civic organizations.

Additionally, Robin gives back through The Ashley Renee Thompson Memorial Foundation scholarship each year, granted to a deserving graduating senior. The application process includes:

• a 500 word essay
• letters of recommendation
• high school transcript
• record of community/school service
• a 55 second video you produce to empower and motivate your peers to “Survive the 5” leading causes of teen vehicle crashes.

The winner for the 2021 Scholarship is Summer Duba from Westfield High School in Herndon, VA. Learn more here.

We are honored to once again partner with The Art of Driving as our May Community Outreach Partner and are donating $1 from every haircut this month to this amazing, local non-profit.