Teen driving safety in spotlight
TERRI DENISE JAMES
Staff Writer

Fri, May. 31, 2002

Healthy Lancaster's efforts to promote safer teen-age driving practices are bustling again. This month's Safe Driving Week, Sunday through June 8 will focus on teen-age driving and child safety seats for summer drivers.

Here are some common teen driving myths the community health organization wants to help put to rest:

• Myth: It's safer to drive at night.

In reality, more fatal teen car crashes take place between 1 and 5 a.m. than at any other time of day.

• Myth: Teens are safer with more passengers to watch traffic.

There is actually a greater likelihood that teen drivers will crash when they are surrounded by distractions -- music, friends or conversation.

• Myth: Alcohol is the leading cause of teen car crashes.

In actuality, speeding is the leading cause of teen car crashes. Parents should take the time to caution their children against the teen-age "fast-car syndrome."

• Myth: Safe-driving contracts don't work.

Yes, safe driving contracts do work. Often, simpler ways of showing concern -- like a clear parent-child contract -- help communicate to teens that there are specific expectations to meet while driving the car.

Healthy Lancaster is offering a limited number of free registrations for families who would like to participate in its parent-child contract program. Registration forms can be downloaded from the "I Promise Program" Web site www.ipromiseprogram.com, or parents can contact Healthy Lancaster and ask for an information and registration packet. Details: (803) 285-6220