Avoiding and Dealing with Car Crashes

Objectives: Youth who complete the lesson can

• Identify the leading causes of crashes
• Demonstrate safe driving strategies to avoid car crashes
• Describe the steps a driver should take immediately following a crash

Activities

• You Say It Wasn't Exactly a Crash
  Youth learn that crashes do not always involve a crash with another motor vehicle, but instead may be a car colliding with another object, such as a mailbox or light pole or an animal. Youth learn that running off the road and losing control of a vehicle is not a crash but can become a leading cause of a crash, as the driver loses control of the vehicle or attempts to correct. Youth need to understand what the law considers a motor vehicle crash before they can understand the logistics involved.

• The Crash Investigation
  In this activity, parents and youth learn about the leading causes of car crashes. For example, speed, alcohol, and fatigue can all lead to car crashes. Similarly, slick pavement, narrowly constructed roads and bridges, and roadway design limitations such as curves, poor signage, and pavement markings can each contribute to a crash. This activity explores these potential hazards and encourages participants to identify strategies to avoid crashes.

• The Crash Scene - Act Responsibly
  Youth learn that there are certain actions they should take if they are involved in a crash or if they are in the vehicle with someone who is in a crash. Youth learn that after a crash, it is not always easy to think clearly, and that thinking ahead to safety issues is key to making safe decisions.  Activities allow youth to further explore the cognitive behavioral model by identifying the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that influence responsible, or irresponsible, reactions to crashes.

• Homework
  Click here for Interactive Homework

• Parent
  Lessons
  Parents are instructed to complete at least  one parent lesson prior to the next session.  The lessons are an opportunity for parents to share personal experiences, learn safe driving skills with their youth, and conduct on-the-road practice sessions with their youth.