How can an individual reduce the risk of injury when driving?
Do now: Motor vehicle crashes kill more teenagers than all other causes. Why do you think teenagers are at such a high risk for motor vehicle crashes?
Class notes:
Teen drivers are more likely to:
Be inexperienced at driving and estimating risks.
Speed and drive recklessly
Run red lights
Not wear safety belts or not wear them properly
Drive while intoxicated or ride with an intoxicated driver
Become distracted by others in the car
Drive at night and on weekends, which are higher-risk times
Do you think more teens are killed as passengers or drivers?
Passengers are killed more often than drivers- 86% of teens who die in motor vehicle crashes are passengers. That’s why passenger safety is just as important as driver safety.
Reducing the risk of unintentional injuries or death from car crashes involves good concentration and saying sober.
Using their completed Arrive Alive worksheets, ask students to describe what might have happened if the driver were intoxicated.
Discuss student answers.
It is unlikely the driver or passengers would have arrived safely at their destination if the driver was intoxicated.
Alcohol and other drugs impair a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. The likelihood of serious injury or death due to a motor vehicle crash dramatically increases whenever a driver is intoxicated. Because driving a car takes so much concentration and skill, drivers need to always be awake, alert and sober.
What are some ways alcohol and other drugs affect a driver?
Class notes:
Alcohol and other drugs:
Impair judgment and ability to recognize risks
Change how the driver judges distances, speed and dangers
Alter reaction time
Distort a driver’s vision
Affect a driver’s ability to concentrate
Reduce a driver’s concern for passengers and their safety
It is important for you to think ahead about how you will handle decisions related to drinking and driving.
Worksheet: Alcohol and Driving- What’s the safest Decision? Allow time for students (partners) to complete.
How do you think families and friends are affected when a loved one is killed by an intoxicated driver? How do you think the drunk driver is affected?
Impaired driving due to alcohol or other drugs is a major contributor to teenage car crashes and teen deaths. Being aware of the risks and taking action to reduce the risk could save your life or the life of someone close to you.
What can you do to ensure that you will always drive sober and arrive alive?
Worksheet: I’ll Stay Sober
Many teens will make a commitment to themselves to stay sober and to never ride with a driver who’s been drinking. Complete this activity as a promise to yourself to arrive alive. Be prepared to share what you wrote with the class.