Every month, at least two youth die in car crashes in the province of BC.
That’s according to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). The organization is promoting National Teen Driver Safety Week.
Joanna Linsangan says distracted driving is the main factor for teen drivers getting into crashes, and it’s not just phones causing issues.
“Keep in mind with your music. So, you actually need your ears and you need to be able to hear what’s going on around you,” she says.
“Do turn down that volume so you’re able to hear the sound of an ambulance or a screech of a car. A trend we’re also seeing is people wearing earbuds when they’re driving. Not only is that illegal but it is incredibly unsafe.”
Linsangan suggests parents also set a good example for their teen and obey all rules of the road. She also recommends that all drivers avoid eating while driving and put their phones in their glove box to avoid being distracted.
“What we’re seeing in BC is that about one in six young drivers could get in a crash this year and of those teens that actually are in crashes, 25-percent of them are at risk of injury or death. It is really an alarming stat and is a number that we want to bring down.”
For of ICBC’s young driver safety tips, visit www.icbc.com.
