There is No argument – “Red Light Runners” injure and kill! Our emergency agencies respond to these collisions almost everyday!

What’s the big deal about “red light running”? Take a tragic look at a red light runner – This was sent over the internet, it’s a dramatic crash, caught on photo enforcement, involving a red light runner striking a vehicle that inturns rolls over a pedestrian “walking” against a red light – warning – it is shocking, read the story and scroll down and hopefully you can open the video: Dayton, Ohio Red Light Runner Crash

Click on and see: National Campaign To Stop Red Light Running!

• FACT: Of the 6 Million Plus Crashes Each Year In The U.S. – over 40%of the most “serious injury – fatal crashes” occur at intersections…most often caused by Red Light Runners! You see the people who make it through the RED – WE, as emergency agencies, see and transport the people Who Don’t Make It! (See the numerous examples below.)
• FACT: It’s not photo enforcement systems making big money for the government agencies that use them – it’s the law breakers-the red light runners who generate that money. There’s a great way to beat a photo enforcement ticket and this system? It’s “very” easy, just follow the laws made for our safety and don’t run RED lights – we all win in saving money, but more important in “saving lives”! Don’t run red lights and the cameras will no longer be needed. What a concept!

The City of El Cajon City was the first city in San Diego County to issue photo enforcement tickets. It began in October of 1996, with the first ticket issued in December of 96′. The new system with added cameras, a rear camera shot and a streaming video camera, started in June 2002. This system has been very successful in El Cajon.

Example: At the intersection of Broadway and Mollision, a 3 year study before and after the cameras were added, showed an 86% reduction in traffic collisions at this intersection alone. We credit the success to the joint efforts of Police and city engineers in working together in the planning and operation of this life saving system.

• National Red Light Running Campaign
• More information on red light running
• Check out Arizona’s System: Arizona’s Photo Enforcement Campaign
• San Diego Police info

A big “THANK YOU” to San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy and the City Council who voted on 9/17/02, and again on 11/25/02, to reinstate the Red Light Photo Enforcement System for San Diego streets. And congratulations to the other cities around the county who care about safety and will be adding this system to their streets!

What you may not be aware of, while the cameras were turned off, San Diego Police reported a dramatic increase in overall collisions on San Diego streets. On a personal note: There were times “I” had to wait for as many as a dozen vehicles running the red before it was safe for me to proceed on a “green”. Obviously these drivers knew the cameras were turned off and knew they were getting away with this behavior. Thus the term – “Getting away with murder”.

Also be advised the fines have gone up from $271 to $321-$341 for running a red light. (Fines will depend on the city and the judge.) Most fines for a moving violation are over $300, but costs for serious injuries-especially someone paralyzed, can rise over a million dollars in the first couple of years…a funeral around $6,000. Best way to beat any ticket – injuring – killing? Don’t break the laws made for our safety! You’re safer – we’re safer!!!

Remember…whether you’re for or against this system – this “PHOTO” system may some day come to your rescue in deciding “who was at fault” in your collision. Yes- these cameras have caught crashes as they happen. These pictures taken speak for the innocent, those injured or worse “killed” – at these intersections!

Remember, don’t blame the officer who may stop you when “you choose” to break the law. Feel very fortunate if you’ve avoided injury and death by getting a ticket instead.

Also remember, as noted earlier, if you “don’t run red lights” – no fines – no crashes – no injuries – no deaths…and the photo enforcement system goes away”…it’s that simple!

Note: I base my feelings on fact – (see the examples below) my facts come from both professional and personal experience, especially during my previous 18 year career as a traffic reporter and traffic researcher. Almost daily I reported on these types of crashes. When driving, just by being alert behind the wheel, I’ve avoided being hit by “red light runners” numerous times. I also happen to be someone who truly cares about everyone’s safety…and I know, by your emails, I’m not alone!>

Note: Despite the facts…there are those who do not agree with me in the importance of obeying laws, and supporting “Photo enforcement”. But, I do respect your right to disagree. In this country we have a right to free speech…but not through threats or obscentities. I’m trying to stop future deaths and injuries caused by red light (or stop sign) runners. It happens more than you realize.

The following crashes involve “Red Light Runners” – Then you’ll see why I’m passionate about this issue and about safety:

The following are facts – not fiction…

Date: 12/20/05 2149 (9:49 p.m.) – Location: FRIARS RD / FRAZEE RD, MISSION VALLEY WEST

Type: SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENT
Synopsis: A female driving a Toyota Camry was at the stoplight E/B Friars Rd. in the left hand turn lane to N/B 163. The light turn green and she proceeded into the intersection and was struck by a male, 20 years old, driving a Ford Explorer W/B Friars Rd while running the red light. Nine people from the two vehicles were transported to local hospitals. A sig-alert was issued for traffic congestion in the area. Traffic Division is handling the investigation.

10/01/05 at 2016 (8:16pm)

Location: I-805 N/B OF RA / IMPERIAL AVE., LINCOLN PARK

Type: SERIOUS INJURY CRASH

Synopsis:
P-1, a mini van, failed to stop for a red light while on the exit ramp. The van struck the curb of the ramp and continued into the intersection striking two E/B cars on Imperial Avenue. An 11-year-old girl was in the back seat of the van with no seatbelt. She suffered a broken right femur when she was thrown to the floor upon impact. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. Traffic Division is handling.

This “red light runner” was a bicyclist…it was a fatal mistake:

06/19/05 2213 – (10:13pm)

Location: MIRA MESA BL & REAGAN RD, MIRA MESA

Type: FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Synopsis: A bicyclist riding south on Reagan Rd was struck and killed by a vehicle driving east on Mira Mesa Bl. Witnesses reported that the bicyclist ran a red light before entering the intersection. The bicyclist was a male in his 30’s. Traffic Division is handling the investigation.

• Teacher Late For School Kills Motorcyclist – Driver Ran Red LightPOSTED: 11:09 am PDT September 21, 2004

  SAN DIEGO — San Diego police said a teacher who was running late for school killed a motorcyclist on Tuesday morning.

  Police said Kent Johnson, 57, was headed north on Kearny Villa Road about 7:40 a.m., using a bicycle lane to pass vehicles, when he veered left onto Miramar Road near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. His Pontiac sedan struck the eastbound motorcycle, according to San Diego police.

  Randy Sanchez, 37, of Mira Mesa died at the scene, a coroner’s investigator said. Police said the biker had a green light when Johnson’s vehicle hit him.

  Officers arrested the teacher on suspicion of felony gross vehicular manslaughter. San Diego police spokesman David Cohen said that the teacher told officers that he ran the light because he was late for school. He was not hurt in the crash.

  Detectives closed lanes at the intersection for the rest of the morning to conduct their investigation.
  2004 by NBCSandiego.com

• Date: July 2, 2004 – 11:41am
  Location: 3800 CARMEL MTN
  Synopsis: A Mercedes-Benz was going E/B on Carmel Mtn Rd. A Ford F-150 was going N/B on Vista Sorrento Pkwy. The Mercedes ran a red light. The Ford struck the Mercedes and force of the impact pushed the Mercedes into a tree. The driver of the Mercedes had to be extricated from his vehicle. The driver was transported to a hospital for a fracture pelvis. Traffic handled.
• July 1, 2004 – 5:56pm
  Location: 30th & Market Street
  Synopsis: The victim was driving his car S/B on 30th Street, when a white Explorer drove through a red light at Market Street and hit the victim’s car. The driver of the Explorer kept driving and made a right turn on to Island Street. At Island and 26th Street, three occupants of the Explorer exited the vehicle and rushed the victim, stabbing him in the neck. They then drove off in an unknown direction. The victim tried to follow the suspects, but crashed into a parked car. Officers later stopped the suspects at Sicard and Irving and took all three suspects into custody.
• May 6, 2004 – 3:24am
  Location: 1424 Continetal Street, Otay Mesa
  Type: Vehicle Collision w/Injuries
  Synopsis: A moving truck was making a left turn on to S/B Cactus from W/B 905, when a semi-truck driving E/B on 905 drove through a red light at Cactus smashing into the moving van. The driver of the moving truck was extracted out of the truck and transported to the hospital via Life Flight with internal injuries. The other driver was also taken to the hospital.
• May 5, 2004 – 3:25pm
  Location: 7814 Caminto Santa Luz, Black Mt. Ranch
  Type: Vehicle Collision With Injuries
  Synopsis: A driver of a pick-up truck was N/B on Camino Del Sur and failed to stop for a red signal light. A car driving W/B on Caminito Santaluz was making a left turn on to Camino Del Sur and was broadside. The driver of the car has a fractured pelvis and was taken to the hospital.
• May 1, 2004 – 3:18pm
  Imperial Ave. at Valencia Park, Neighborhood: Valencia Park
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: P-2, a 24-25 year old male was driving a 1993 Toyota sedan westbound Imperial. He had the green light, as he turned southbound on Valencia. P-1, a 22-year-old male was also driving a 1993 Toyota sedan drove eastbound on Imperial through a red light and struck P-2. Several people in both vehicles were transported to two local hospitals for treatment of their injuries. The driver of P-1 possibly has internal injuries.
• May 1, 2004 – 11:25pm
  Location: Lincoln Avenue at Washington Street, University Heights
  Type: Serious Injury Collision
  Synopsis: Yellow Cab #59 was S/B on Lincoln Ave approaching a green light at Washington Ave. A Suzuki motorcycle with two people on it was W/B on Washington Ave. It (the motorcyclist) ran the right light at Lincoln and ran into the Yellow Cab. The driver suffered a fractured pelvis and serious head injuries. The passenger had minor injuries. The cab driver was not hurt. Traffic Division is handling.
• April 19, 2004 – 7:30am
  La Jolla Village and Genesee, University City
  Type: Serious Injury/Bike Collision
  Synopsis: A 43 yr old male rode his bicycle against the red signal N/B Genesee and into the path of a Toyota traveling W/B La Jolla Village. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with multiple fractures. Traffic is investigating.
• Location: 6949 Genesee Avenue, University City
  Type: Serious Injury Crash
  Synopsis: A male in his 50′s, driving a Volvo station wagon was making a left hand from the parking lot at University High School to southbound Genesse Ave. An 83 year old female driving a Toyota station wagon failed to stop at the red light and struck the Volvo station wagon. Both parties were transported to local hospitals with internal injuries. Traffic Division is handling.
• March 29, 2004, at 6:04pm
  Location: Del Mar Heights Rd/El Camino Real, Carmel Valley
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: A 17yr old male driving a BMW was traveling southbound on El Camino Real and failed to stop at the red light at Del Mar Heights Rd. The BMW made a right turn onto Del Mar Heights Rd and struck a motorcycle being driven by an 18 yr old male. The motorcycle driver suffered a broken femur and a broken hip and was transported to a local hospital.

Red light runners are not always just a sober driver ignoring laws:
Here is one example of a local news story of a “red light runner” you may have missed:

• San Diego Police Arrest Suspect In Downtown DUI CrashJuly 6. 2003 – San Diego police said that a man suspected of running a red light and broadsiding another vehicle, injuring three people, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol Sunday.

  The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., two blocks from a police station at 13th and Market streets, San Diego police acting Lt. Rodney Vandiver said. According to Vandiver, Tobin White, 30, allegedly ran a red light at the intersection and his vehicle broadsided another vehicle. A woman in the other vehicle suffered a broken shoulder, and two other people were slightly injured. Vandiver said White’s vehicle then struck a third vehicle heading west on Market. Police said White was booked into the central jail on suspicion of felony DUI.

  -0-

This was DUI related, but many red light runners are sober – in a rush and/or driving aggressively! Photo enforcement often takes a picture of these crashes helping the innocent collect toward their hospital – OR FUNERAL costs.

Another example of RED Light Running – but this time the driver (who ran the red) dies:

• January 2, 2004 at 6:30pm
  Location: 1625 Heritage Road, Otay Mesa
  Type: Serious Injury Collision
  Synopsis: A female, driving a Honda Accord, failed to stop for a red traffic signal, while she was traveling S/B on Heritage crossing I-905. As she crossed 905 a Tractor trailer traveling N/B on 905 hit the Accord flipping it over. The Driver of the Accord was pronounced dead at the scene.

In this crash, the Red Light runner was injured:

• January 16, 2004 at 9:33am
  Location: Black Mtn Road at Carroll Canyon Road, Mira Mesa
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: An adult male was driving a motorcycle on Black Mountain Road. The driver failed to stop for the red traffic light at the intersection of Carroll Canyon Road and hit another vehicle. The driver sustained a serious compound fracture to his right leg.

But, starting off the New Year of 2004, here’s another RED Light Runner that injures several innocent people:

• January 1, 2004 at 1:15am:
  Location: Clairemont Drive at Clairemont Mesa Blvd, N. Clairemont
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: P-1, a 1995 Toyota, made a turn from E/B Clairemont Mesa Blvd to N/B Clairemont Drive, against a red light, colliding with P-2 a 2002 Ford Ranger. Three people were transported to the hospital. A female passenger’s in P-1 suffered serious injuries. Traffic Division is handling.

Yet another example of the injuries caused by “red light runners”, this on Christmas:

• December 25, 2003, Location: Poway Road at Sabre Springs Road, Sabre Springs
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: A 19 yr old female was southbound on Sabre Springs Rd crossing Poway Rd on a green signal. A 31 yr old male was driving westbound on Poway Rd and ran the red signal. He struck the driver’s side of the other vehicle causing serious injury to the female driver. She was transported to a local hospital. The driver at fault was transported to a local hospital with less serious injuries. Traffic investigated.

(Who’s next?)

Read More

Please watch the whole video.  This is a very powerful and somewhat graphic DUI message.  Not a sugar-coated message.  Sadly, it’s what we see everyday as an emergency agency – the ‘end results” – the tragic consequences when someone chooses to drink and drive…when someone thinks they need alcohol to have a “good time”…and how far too often the innocent are affected. When your evening out or celebration includes alcohol – please plan ahead for a SOBER designated driver.  Be a designated driver, or call a cab or a friend to get you home safely.

Use caution at ALL intersections.  Motorists in a RUSH are speeding up or often “flooring it” for a YELLOW light a block or two away – and often end up running a RED light by 3 to 6 seconds.  If someone waiting at the RED light is not alert and drives off quickly, as soon as the light turns Green, the two shall meet with a very dangerous side impact crash.  Most of the collisions emergency crews respond to are at intersections and are usually caused by RED LIGHT RUNNERS!

Reasons motorists run RED LIGHTS?  Some drivers are on cell phones, text messaging, sleepy, DUI…or sadly “don’t care” and will do what you’ll see in this scary red light runner video - WATCH & DRIVE carefully:

An example of very scary red light runner – be VERY alert at intersections!  For a driving safety lecture on these and other bad driving habits to watch for or avoid contact me at (619) 441-1737.  I’ll help you reduce the risk factors of having a collision.

Drive by the Rules.
Keep the Privilege.

Help connect parents of teen drivers to this easy-to-use resource by inviting them to sign up for the monthly Under YOUR Influence Newsletter and by creating a link on your web site and newsletters to this new resource.

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Wireless Communications Device and Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs

It’s crucial to your survival on our roadways to be 100% alert behind the wheel.  That’s why the cell phone laws were passed, whether you’re holding a cell phone to talk or text.  In California, laws were passed when it was found that 60% of our collisions were cell phone related.  But, you still see people “breaking the law” – taking the risk of getting a citation – or causing a collision, leading to injury  and/or DEATH! 

Below is a refresher on these laws…made for our safety.

 The new Wireless Communications Device Law (effective January 1, 2009) makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.  

Two additional laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device. The second law effective July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these laws.

Q: When did the wireless communications device (no texting) law take effect?
A: The law took effect January 1, 2009.

Q: When did the handheld wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The laws took effect July 1, 2008.

Q: What is the difference between these laws?
A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device.” The second law prohibits all drivers from texting while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23123.5). The third law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124). 

Read More

My views on Teen Driving…

Toward the end of 2008 I was contacted by a teen, a student from a high school in Atlanta, Georgia, to answer nine questions in regards to a report she was doing on Teen Driving. Here are the questions, followed by my answers:

Dear Ms. Zech,

In your research in the driving safety, I am writing to ask for your valued opinion on the safety of teenage driving. I am a junior at Warner Robins High School, and as an assignment, I am required to seek information from an authority on teenage driving. I will greatly appreciate it if you will take the time to answer the following questions to the best of your ability and have them completed by the fourth of February (09) since I have a set deadline.

Your expert opinion on teenage driving will add credibility to my research and is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
L. Franklin

Dear Lauren,
Thank you very much for contacting me – I’d be happy to answer your questions. .

In answer to:
1) What is the one driving danger or distraction for teen drivers that you hear most about today?

My Answer: I understand that you are asking for the “top” distraction, but may I answer it with the top “two” distractions – the distraction of cell phones (talking on a cell or text messaging) – the 2nd, the distraction of friends in the vehicle. The use of cell phones, whether talking or texting, has been proven to be a “deadly distraction” – it’s been compared to being under the influence of 2 to 3 beers. Friends in the vehicle: it’s found, for every friend you put in your vehicle, you increase the danger of having a tragic collision. More friends – more reckless…a tendency to show-off.

2) Do you think that sixteen year olds are ready to be driving by themselves?
My Answer: 16 year old drivers? Well, because of what we see. We would rather the age limit be 18 years of age to drive a vehicle, but it greatly depends on the maturity level of the teen. There are some teens that actually wait until they’re eighteen, sometimes even older. Some teens are more mature than others. But 18 seems to be the age when there’s a maturity level to make better decisions behind the wheel. Then again, even older drivers make poor choices.

3) What is your oppinion on Joshua’s Law? Should teenagers be required to participate in this program?

My Answer: Joshua’s Law is the same law in California we call a “Provisional driver’s license” carrying restrictions during the first year of driving under 18. Both laws are designed to increase your chances of survival behind the wheel through “experience.” The more “behind the wheel experience” – the better the driver to handle various situations they encounter. Your law requires 40 hours of supervised driving, California law requires 50 hours. I highly recommend teens take full advantage of this law if they want to increase their chances of survival during their teenage years of driving and beyond. Both laws require experience driving at night. Teens are more apt to be involved in a collision during the evening hours. Thanks to our law in California we saw a 24% drop in deaths among teen drivers.

4) Would raising the driving age make them any less the novice with their maturation? Explain.

My Answer: It’s assumed the older the wiser…the older, the more mature your decision making. But every teen is different. Some teens recognize for themselves whether they’re ready to handle driving at age 16, 17 or 18. Especially as they see their younger friends killed and/or injured in crashes due to reckless driving. This often makes many teens realize how precious and fragile life is – thus becoming more responsible.

5) Describe some of the carnage you have witnessed on the job or you have heard about, dealing with teenage drivers.

My Answer: Speed and/or driving under the influence – those are major factors in the crashes I’ve seen. In October of 2004 we had a crash involving three 17-year-olds males. All had been drinking as they celebrated the birthday of one of teens turning 17. In the evening hours they caused a minor collision then raced off to avoid being caught. While racing away they ran a red light and were struck broadside by a large truck who had the green light. In the impact the 17 year-old, whose birthday they were celebrating, was ejected. Due to their speed this caused a sling-shot effect thrusting the teen head first into a fire hydrant at the corner. Fire hydrants are made to break off at the base making them easier to repair when a vehicle runs into it – but in this case, the teen knocked over the fire hydrant with his head. Without getting too graphic in print – it basically knocked off the top of his head above his eyebrows and was of course killed.

Quite often, in crashes involving speed/street racing, these crashes often result in occupants being crushed beyond recognition. A recent crash involved an 18 year-old losing control, going off the roadway into trees and his car bursting into flames – the impact killed him first – not the resulting fire.

*What people don’t realize – vehicles are made for transportation only – not crashing. Only NASCARS are built for crashing. For every 10mph -this is equal to a one-story fall impact. An 80mph crash is equal to an 8 story fall. For every 10 mph over 50mph – you’ve doubled your chances of dying in a crash.

6) Do you think that better traffic safety laws should be enforced?

My Answer: All laws, especially traffic laws, are made for the “safety” of all motorists and pedestrians. When a problem (causing injury & death) is recognized – a law is made to stop this problem from causing more injury and death. When we ignore these laws – the result is either a citation, a collision, possible injury or death. We passed the cell phone law in California after traffic collision investigations found 60% of our crashes were cell phone related.

7) Before my accident, I thought, I won’t ever get in a car accident. That won’t ever happen to me. Do you think that most new inexperienced teen drivers are thinking the same thing?

My Answer: Exactly. I keep hearing people say teens think they’re invincible. But no matter what age, although we hear of others being involved in crashes, we never think it will happen to us – until it does. For teens, despite hearing about other teens being involved in crashes and dying, they think “they’ll” do better at handling a speeding vehicle – or “they’ll” be different and can handle drinking and driving – that shows immaturity with youth. But, I also see that same type of thought process among adults.

8) If there is one thing you would want all teen drivers to know, what would it be?

My Answer: One thing? Hmmm – sorry, how about one long statement. What I would tell teens is what I’ve seen and what I’ve experienced in my work -and in my own family.

REMEMBER the following: The number one cause of death for teens is traffic collisions. But most will die as passengers. Think of your life, your safety. NEVER get into a car with someone who is reckless, sleepy or under the influence of any drug, especially alcohol. ANY amount of alcohol consumed, no matter what age, should be considered dangerous behind the wheel. Remember that alcohol is a drug – a depressant. On the very first sip of alcohol it’s in your blood system within 6 seconds – immediately impairing your reaction time and judgment. Two important things you need to be a good driver…or operate any machinery.

Don’t risk and/or ruin your life like others before you – STAY AWAY FROM ALL DRUGS. You only have one brain and one body – protect them.

The worse vehicle to drive: motorcycles! No protection except a full helmet. But, if you strike an object with your torso you will most likely die, lose a limb or become paralyzed. To increase your chances of survival – follow laws made for your safety – wear your seat belts and be 100% alert behind the wheel. Also realize that being sleepy behind the wheel is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Both conditions cause “fixation” – as you look at an object, a tree or bicyclist, you’ll drive right into that object without realizing it. The most dangerous of all roadway areas “intersections” – this is due to red light runners and STOP sign runners. In working for a police and fire department – our number one 9-1-1 call – “traffic collisions”. Be alert – be safe! Most of the collisions EMS respond to occur at intersections.

The dangers I’ve seen are professional and personal – my father was killed as a pedestrian by a DUI driver on June 5, 1992 – so I know what it’s like to lose someone you love. (The DUI driver was a 23 year-old man – it was his 4th DUI arrest when he killed my father and was sentenced to a mere 4 years in prison.) Then on February 10, 2005 my daughter was hit by a DUI driver. But, because my daughter was alert and saw her coming she was able to steer away from a “direct side impact” and suffered minor injuries. (This DUI driver was a 17 year-old female driver, with no license or insurance. This DUI driver is now prevented from getting a driver’s license until age 21.) A year after this crash my daughter graduated from paramedic school, and a month later married a young man she met prior to paramedic prep school. Both are paramedics and love their jobs. Saving lives runs in the family.

9) Should Driver’s Ed be offered in school?

My Answer: YES! Some teens wait until they’re 18 so they don’t have to take a driver education course. That is most often a fatal mistake. That means they have little or no experience when it comes to driving. A driver education course should be mandatory. Videos and experienced speakers, like myself and law enforcement, can make a big difference in educating teens on the real dangers of our roadways.

I’m very passionate about saving lives – so my answers were probably longer than you wanted. But I hope my information is helpful.

One more comment – as parents, we’d like to see our children grow up to achieve their goals, career and/or marry. I’ve met many-many-many parents who never got to see their children get past their teens due to deaths involving traffic collisions. Losing a child is one of the worst things a person can experience.

Thank you very much for contacting me. I am honored you contacted me. I hope my answers provide an eye-opening impact in “driving home” the message. Below is some additional data on Teen Driving.

Most Sincerely & Stay Safe,

Monica Zech

Here is some research information regarding teen driving:

First note the following research:

Crash patterns for teen drivers are alarming. Studies regularly show that:

• Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States. In California alone, nearly 20,000 teen drivers are injured or killed every year.
• Teen drivers are in a far higher proportion of crashes than expected, given their relatively small percentage of the entire driving population.
• Teen fatal crashes take place far more commonly during late night hours than expected, given their relatively limited nighttime driving.
• Teen passengers are at a far greater risk in vehicles driven by other teen drivers than in vehicles driven by older, more experienced drivers.