Program drives home car safety

Nov. 12, 2002

If you are a teenager who drives, or perhaps the parents of a teen who just got behind the wheel, there is an initiative in which you should be interested.

In Canada in 2000, teen drivers accounted for some 30,000 injuries and 387 fatalities. Teen-driver car crashes remain the leading cause of permanent injury and death in teens across North America. Given the number of teens involved in car crashes, it is imperative they know what to do in the event of a crash. We all have heard teens say, "It won't happen to me." But there is every chance it will, and to this end, the 'I Promise Program' teen safe-driving initiative (www.ipromiseprogram.com), sought input from law-enforcement agencies across North America to develop a list of just what teens (and all other motorists) should do in the event of a collision.

General guidelines include:

After impact and the car has come to a full stop, remain calm and assess the situation. Look at yourself and passengers to determine if there are any injuries. Look out at the other vehicle and roadway to determine if there is a risk to yourself or others.

In the event of an injury, render first aid if you are qualified to do so, and if it is safe to do so. At the same time, or as soon as possible, you or a bystander should call emergency medical services, then your local law-enforcement agency. In most areas, dialing 911 will reach emergency services.

Set up road flares or other emergency signaling devices to alert other drivers of the road hazard. Flares should be set up a safe distance from the vehicle and many law-enforcement agencies recommend setting up "red reflective triangles" instead of using flares. Another motorist or bystander can stand at the side of the roadway and caution other motorists to slow down.

If you are in a high traffic area and it is not safe to leave the vehicle, remain in your seat with your seatbelt fastened. If it is safe to leave the vehicle and your vehicle is not operational, leave the vehicle and get off the roadway a safe distance from the traveled portion of the roadway.

Once the crash scene is stabilized, do not discuss fault with the other driver(s). A discussion of fault with the other driver(s) can lead to arguments, which in itself can pose a danger given the heightened emotions with the situation at hand. Remember to exchange insurance and other related information.

The program recommends all parents sign a parent-youth, safe-driving contract to reduce the risk of car crashes. An ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, Executive Director
I Promise Program Inc.
20 Suter Crescent,
Dundas, Ontario, Canada
L9H 6R5

(905) 628-4847
gary123@sympatico.ca
www.ipromiseprogram.com