Colorado SADD campaigns fighting ‘100 deadliest days’

Colorado SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) recently issued a statewide call to action in combating the deadliest season for young people — the summer months. Known as the “100 deadliest days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the season when more young people lose their lives in car crashes and to other destructive decisions. SADD is calling upon teens, parents, law enforcement and the community at large to raise awareness and take action to keep teens safe.

In 2018, nationwide, a total of 2,476 teenagers died in motor vehicle crashes, with even more seriously injured, on the roadways.  Though young drivers are on the roads less than all but the oldest drivers, their numbers of crashes and fatalities are disproportionately high. The leading causes of crashes continue to be distracted driving (technology and passengers), impaired driving (drugs, alcohol and drowsiness) and reckless behavior. Combine these with inexperience and it is clear why car crashes continue to be the leading cause of death and injury for the young people of our nation.

“In light of current events, we’ve been reminded of the importance of public health, and part of public health includes traffic safety,” says Kerry Ferguson, Colorado state coordinator. “We remind our teens to: ‘Buckle up, Every trip, Every time.’ To ‘Drive Sober.’ That ‘If you feel different, you drive different.’ And to ‘Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel.’  No matter which message we choose, we strive to help our young drivers understand how important it is to follow the rules of the road. Every time they get in a vehicle, their actions impact all roadway users. This message is true for every driver, passenger and pedestrian.”

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