It’s no secret that college students are some of the most frequent drivers on the road.
From getting to class on time to late-night errands and weekend trips, it’s important for college students to be aware of safe driving practices.
The following article dives into driving statistics involving college students and provides tips for staying safe on the road:
College Students Driving Statistics
Recent data shows that college-aged drivers are among the most likely individuals to get into car accidents.
In fact, young drivers between the ages of 18-24 make up 26% of all motor vehicle deaths in the United States each year.
Additionally, 27 percent of all traffic crashes are caused by drivers in this age range.
Driving while intoxicated is a major factor in these crashes. Specifically, college-aged drivers are twice as likely as older drivers to be involved in a fatal alcohol-related crash.
So it’s important for students to learn responsible drinking habits and never drink and drive to avoid becoming another statistic.
Tips For Staying Safe On The Road
It’s essential that college students know how to stay safe while driving and follow safety guidelines at all times.
Here are a few tips for keeping yourself and other drivers safe:
Always wear your seatbelt.
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways you can ensure your safety in a car accident.
Make sure everyone in your car has their seatbelts fastened before leaving your driveway or parking lot.
Avoid distracted driving.
This means not texting or talking on your phone while behind the wheel, as well as avoiding any other potential hazards like eating or drinking while driving.
If you need to use your phone, pull over somewhere off the road and take care of it there.
Drive at a reasonable speed.
Speeding increases your risk of an accident significantly.
Not only does speeding make it more difficult for you to navigate curves and turns safely, but it also reduces your reaction time if something unexpected were to occur on the road ahead of you.
Stick to posted speed limits whenever possible and drive slowly around corners or sharp turns.
Be aware of other vehicles.
Always keep an eye out for other cars or pedestrians when operating a vehicle (especially if you’re crossing through intersections).
Try not to follow too closely behind other cars so that you have extra time if they come to an abrupt stop ahead of you or turn unexpectedly without signaling first.
Financial Considerations
It’s no secret that college students are often tight on money.
So students will want to make sure they are looking for ways to save on maintenance and auto insurance.
Make sure that you look around and compare coverage between different companies.
Many insurance companies will provide discounts to good students, so always check if that’s offered.
Last, when it comes to repairs, whether it’s a cracked windshield or worn-down brake pads, you can look for a variety of options. You can go to a local repair shop or even look for a mechanic in the classifieds on Craigslist.
Conclusion
Following these basic tips can help reduce risks associated with driving and make roads safer for everyone involved—especially college students who may be inexperienced behind the wheel!
Being aware of driving statistics related to college students is also important since understanding why certain dangers exist can help prevent them from happening in the future.
By taking precautions such as wearing seatbelts, avoiding distractions, adhering to speed limits, and being mindful of other vehicles on the road, we can ensure that our roads stay safe for everyone who uses them!
