Crash Bash targets texting teens
The dangers of texting while driving are highlighted in the new Crash Bash road safety show.
The danger of teens using cell phones while driving is one of the key focuses of this year’s Crash Bash stage performance. Crash Bash is an educational road safety programme geared towards secondary school students. It is organised by Christchurch City Council, in conjunction with the Police, and presented by the Court Theatre. It will be seen by more than 14,000 Canterbury teens over the course of this term.
“Drivers engaged in sending or reading a text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers focused on the road so it is really important we get the message through to young drivers that they shouldn’t be using their phone while driving,’’ says Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Steffan Thomas.
Other key messages in this year’s Crash Bash include:
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Ease off the accelerator when approaching corners. Going too fast could result in you crossing the centre line as you come out of the corner.
- Be prepared to stop on the yellow light at intersections and do not feel pressured to drive through.
“We also want to remind young drivers that the two second rule is crucial for giving yourself a safe distance for reacting and stopping,’’ says Mr Thomas.
“Driving requires 100 per cent concentration, 100 per cent of the time. Young people also need to remember that distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Keeping your eyes on the road, driving phone free, setting your music before start your trip are all crucial to arriving safely at your destination.”
Young drivers are over-represented in road crashes. Nationally, young drivers make up just under 5 per cent of all licensed car drivers yet they account for 10 per cent of drivers in serious crashes and 7 per cent of drivers in fatal crashes.
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