Stay safe this holiday season

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With the holidays approaching, Teens in the Driver Seat reminds you to be safe on the roads.

Driving during the holiday season is more dangerous than any other time of the year for many reasons, including an increased number of drivers on the road, drivers making more trips to see family and friends, and an increase in alcohol consumption. This is especially true for drivers with little experience.

When driving this holiday season keep the five major risks for teen drivers in mind:

• Driving at Night – If you are going on trips where you will be the driver make sure to get plenty of rest. Experts recommend scheduling regular stops every 100 miles or two hours.
• Distractions – You may be heading to a holiday party or family gathering. If you have passengers in the car with you be careful that they are not distracting you from driving. Also don’t talk on the phone or text message until you get to your destination.
• Speeding – With colder weather there is a bigger threat of ice on roads and bridges. Make sure to watch your speed and give the cars in front of you more room.
• Seat Belt Use – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) teenage drivers and passengers are among those least likely to wear their seat belts. Make sure to buckle up this holiday season.
• Drunk Driving – According to NHTSA the number of drunk driving accidents increases from 36 percent to 54 percent over the holiday season. Drinking makes you stupid. It can also make you dead.

Check out more winter safe driving tips.