According to a 2005 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds and the primary cause for collisions is “driver inattention.”
And driver inattention was found to be the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes, according to a landmark research report released in April 2006 by NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Based on these statistics and based on real world experience from their own trauma center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin have announced a campaign to encourage safer driving among teenagers and their parents. The Just Drive! program will not only highlight the dangers of distracted driving, but will also encourage both parents and teens to eliminate those distractions and simply "just drive," as the campaign name implies.
In support of the Just Drive! campaign, Mayor Tom Barrett declared the week of March 27, 2006, as "Just Drive! Week". Throughout the week, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin met with teens and parents at school assemblies and drivers’ education classes to educate them on the importance of safe driving and to offer tips for staying focused while behind the wheel. |
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"Crash"Froedtert & the Medical College intentionally use the word crash instead of accident. We believe that accidents are unpredictable and unavoidable. A crash is predictable and can be avoided if everyone would pay better attention and drive responsibly while behind the wheel. |
TV AdsFroedtert & the Medical College created three public service announcements as a gentle reminder to parents that teens learn their driving habits from them. | |
You Can Get Involved
in the Just Drive! Campaign
Getting a driver's license is a monumental experience. While it marks an exciting “rite of passage” for a teenager, it is also a critical time to talk about the importance of safe driving. Here’s how you can get involved in the Just Drive! Campaign:
Teens: Take Responsibility. Just Drive!
Driving, like any other privilege, comes with certain responsibilities and driving dangerously can be met with serious consequences. To protect your life and the life of others, commit to driving safely. Get involved:
Parents: Pay Attention to Your Driving Behavior. Just Drive!
Parents have a significant impact on their teens’ driving habits. In fact, a recent online survey conducted by Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin revealed that parents are the biggest influence on teens' driving and that most parents are exhibiting the same distracted behaviors as teens such as talking on the phone, listening to music, eating, speeding and following other vehicles too closely. Get involved: