MDOT Launches Teen Driver Safety Education Website
National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 18-24, 2015
Jackson, MS - To support parents, teens and educators in reducing high fatality statistics, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has launched www.GoMDOT.com/safetyeducation during National Teen Driver Safety Week.
In 2014, Mississippi lost 73 teens to motor vehicle crashes, putting the state at 8th in the nation for the number of teens lost last year. This new driver safety website is part of MDOT's Safety Education Outreach Program that offers resources and training for the public.
"With motor vehicle crashes being the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., the safety of young drivers is a top priority for MDOT," said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath.
As parents, it’s important to be good role models and active participants in teens’ learning and driving skills.
"Most teens claim they already know everything which can make it exceedingly difficult for parents to get new information through to them," said Christy Milbourne, safety education programs director. "Not only must parents get their teens to absorb new information, but also convince them that maybe, just maybe, parents actually do know what they are talking about."
GoMDOT.com/safetyeducation offers support for parents with facts and statistics about distracted driving and crashes nationally, as well as information about Mississippi’s traffic safety laws. The site also includes information on how a parent can support their teen to help them become a responsible driver.
The safety website also offers resources directly for teens. New drivers can take the Safe Driver Pledge and make the commitment to driving phone-free and fight to end distracted driving. Approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while driving at any given daylight moment in America.
Drivers talking or texting can miss seeing up to 50 percent of their driving environment, a phenomenon known as “inattention blindness.” With information, videos and tips for new drivers, teens can stop distracted driving and better prepare themselves to become safe and responsible motorists.
Additionally, important resources can be found on the driver safety site for educators. Education plays an important role in teaching the principles of safe driving. Through classroom activities, school safety awareness campaigns and various school clubs and organizations, students can get the information and education they need to make good decisions behind the wheel. The site provides lesson plans for middle and high school ages, driver’s education homework and project ideas, published studies and reports, materials about MDOT’s Transportation Safety Education Program (TSEP) and information about how to request demonstrations of MDOT’s safety education simulators at their school.
October 2014 was Mississippi’s highest month for teen fatalities due to crashes. As parents, teens and educators prepare for traveling to football games, homecoming or other fall activities, remind everyone to drive sober, belted and distraction free. By preparing teens with tools and advice, there will be responsible and safe new drivers in Mississippi.
Visit GoMDOT.com/safetyeducation to access these vital resources for parents, teens and educators and help drive down teen motor vehicle crash deaths in Mississippi to zero! For more information about National Teen Driver Safety Week, visit http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/teens.
Resources Video promoting safe driver pledge: http://ow.ly/TAPzZ
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally-sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network which enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.
