August 2, 2010—In an effort to reduce distracted driving among teens, Seventeen magazine and AAA partnered to support the Seventeen Two-Second Turnoff Day in September.
The two seconds a driver’s eyes are taken off the road can double the chance of an accident and teens are especially at risk, according to a AAA press release_notes. The turnoff day will allow all drivers to take those seconds and use them to turn off devices before getting behind the wheel.
Although 84 percent of teens know distracted driving is dangerous, many continue to engage in the activity, according to a recent survey. In addition, 41 percent of teens believe that their actions—whether it be sending a text or changing the radio station – will only take a split second and 35 percent don’t think anything bad will happen to them as a result. Seventeen hopes the turnoff day will help spread the message about the dangers of distracted driving and “help keep teen drivers safe.”
"Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teen drivers and the proliferation of distracted driving among teens is a challenge all of us must face head-on," said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA. "Because of their lack of driving experience and penchant to take risks, it's imperative that teen drivers—like all drivers—remain focused behind the wheel at all times.”
The Seventeen Two-Second Turnoff Day will take place Sept. 17. For more information about safer teen driving, go to AAAExchange.com.