Motor vehicle traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens nationwide. Utah teen drivers represent a small percent of all licensed drivers, but they cause more than three times as many crashes as the average driver. To address this public safety concern, Zero Fatalities came up with a program for teens called 'Don't Drive Stupid.'

Download the
THE TEENS' GUIDE TO SMART DRIVING
(pdf 2.3mb)

Always Wear a Seatbelt
Hitting the windshield with your face or being ejected out of a car at 55 mph hurts pretty bad. Your seatbelt could prevent that so make sure you wear them even if you're just going down the block to your friend's house.

Make Your Passengers Wear Their Seatbelt
You are the driver, so you have authority. Refuse to drive anywhere until ALL passengers are wearing seat belts. No exceptions, be FIRM.

Don't Use Your Cell Phone While Driving
Yes, this includes texting. It's just a bad idea, because it robs you of your full concentration. If you must talk and its an emergency, use the speaker phone mode.

Use the Three Second Rule When Driving Behind Cars
Cars sometimes stop suddenly. This will help prevent you from crashing into them and getting grounded from the car.

Schedule Your Time
So that you are not in a rush, and risk speeding, or making hasty decisions like weaving in and out of traffic.

Never Drive Under the Influence
Drinking alcohol or doing drugs severly hampers your reaction time behind the wheel. You know it's not safe so just don't do it. Don't let anyone else drive under the influence, take their keys away. They'll thank you in the morning.

Be Familiar with Your Car
Know all the blind spots on your car by having someone slowly walk around the car as you watch in the mirrors.