Deaths due to road accidents have increased in recent years, while permanent disabilities caused by crashes have also multiplied.
According to the available data, new drivers are more in danger of getting involved in accidents, compared to older drivers. The main cause of death of young people aged 16 to 20 years is road accidents.
The factors causing these tragedies are, among others:
- lack of driving experience;
- over-confidence in abilities;
- lower perception of danger;
- poor judgment in matters of driving and inadequate education;
- tiredness during night hours;
- the influence of peers or friends;
- the tendency to show off or racing;
- consumption of alcohol;
- failure to wear seatbelts or helmets.
Parents have a huge responsibility to inform their children about the dangers of driving at an early age and to encourage good driving habits and responsible driving. It is extremely important for young people to understand that, due to their own mistakes or irresponsible behavior on the road, as pedestrians, passengers or drivers, they may take a life or lose their own.
Among other things, parents should:
- Always set a good example. Parents’ behavior on the road and when they are driving should be properly responsible, since children tend to imitate their parents as they grow up.
- They should put special emphasis on zero alcohol consumption when driving or suggest other ways of getting home in cases where children do consume alcohol.
- They should accompany their children when they are new drivers, to help them acquire more experience and learn from mistakes as well as pointing out things they may overlook.
- They should not purchase potentially dangerous cars or motorcycles for their children. The main criterion for selecting a car for a new driver should be the maximum level of safety a vehicle can offer (braking system, ABS, airbags etc.).
- They should teach their children not to be swayed by peer pressure into dangerous behavior.
- They should encourage their children not to hesitate to get out of a vehicle whose driver does not follow proper driving practices.