May is National Youth Safety Month

Global Youth Traffic Safety Month (GYTSM) is a campaign led by the National Organizations for Youth Safety. GYTSM was formed in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to support the United Nations 2007 Global Road Safety Week. The goal of this month-long campaign is to raise awareness about youth traffic safety issues and empower and engage youth in leading projects and programs addressing traffic safety issues during the times of increased risk—prom, graduation, and the summer driving season. According to NHTSA statistics, May and July are two of the deadliest months for youth on the roads. NOYS believes that the power and work of youth leading peer-to-peer education efforts can save lives and prevent injuries.

Did you Know?

• Car crashes are the #1 killer of teens.
• Summer is the deadliest season for young drivers. May means prom, graduation, and summer break.
• 11% of all drivers 15 to 19 yrs old involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crash. Together we can lower this stat!
• In summer 41% of teens drive more often for long periods of time, raising crash risk.
• 1 in 4 teens recently surveyed said they don’t wear seat belts.
• In summer 52% of teen drivers have teen passengers more often, raising crash risk.