Any attempt to address the health and wellness issues in adolescents has to begin with cars. Car accidents are the number one cause of death among teens in the United States. There are a few rules that, if followed, can reduce the number of deaths and accidents.
Keep the cell phone in your purse and your purse in the back seat. It’s been estimated that more than a quarter of all 16 and 17 year olds in the United States text while driving.
Wear a seatbelt. Teens are the group least likely to wear their seatbelts. One in three deaths from motor vehicle crashes in Iowa would have been prevented if the victim had been wearing a seatbelt.
No alcohol. It may seem obvious, but studies have shown that teens are worse drivers than adults at any blood alcohol level.
Keep other teens out of the car. The more people in the car, the more likely an accident is to happen.