(COLO) – Spring break is a time for adventure, whether on break from high school or college, but it is also a time for increased risk on the roads. Young drivers are battling the same distractions and aggressive drivers but with an added risk. Teenagers have the lowest seat belt use rate compared to other age groups.
“Keeping up with your kids gets more challenging as they age, but parents are a huge factor in whether or not young drivers choose to buckle up,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Finding the right balance between extending freedom and staying involved is key. Talk to your kids about their ongoing driving behavior and model wearing your seat belt.”
From April through August, the Colorado State Patrol will run an educational campaign targeting Colorado’s youngest and newest drivers on social media and Spotify. The goal is to educate young drivers and the people who love them to close the gap between the 92% national seat belt use rate and Colorado’s 88% seat belt use rate. The reason for this extra attention toward teen drivers is important for all parents, caregivers, and young drivers to understand.
According to data collected by the Colorado State Patrol, troopers investigated 342 at-fault crashes by drivers aged 16-21 last March. During the same time, they issued over 1,440 citations to the same age group. Speed was the top crash causal factor and the top citation. Yet, when looking at citations for March, failing to wear a seat belt also made it into the top five.
“Without a seat belt, a person is at much greater risk of being ejected from a vehicle or suffering from severe injuries,” explained Col. Packard. “Even a crash at 30 miles per hour can kill someone. Whether crashing against an object, like a dashboard, or another passenger in the vehicle, the force can break bones or cause internal damage.”
This Spring break, Colorado State Troopers ask that you check in with your young driver about their driving habits, including using seat belts.
The Colorado State Patrol is launching a multi-month RU Clicking campaign to increase awareness and use of seat belts across Colorado. This campaign targets the youngest and newest drivers to close the gap between the 92% national seat belt use rate and Colorado’s 88% seat belt use rate. Buckle Like a Boss.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.