Teenage Driving Statistics – Why GPS Tracking Matters

In a 2011 study conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), 68% of teens said they had narrowly avoided a crash, and more than half had experienced more than one close call in the past year. More than 2,000 students in 28 high schools were surveyed for this study, which was released on June 13.

Of those who said that they had a close call, 55% blamed other drivers or the weather. However, when asked what was happening during the exact time of that close call, 30% of teens said they were speeding, 21% said they were texting and 20% said they were talking to passengers in the car.

A similar study conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance in April, found that when crashes occurred because of an error made by a teen, 20% of the time distracted driving was to blame (texting, mp3 players, passengers, etc.). The study also found that speeding was responsible for 21% of crashes in which teens were at fault. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are four times more likely to get into accidents than older drivers. About 3,000 teens died in auto accidents in 2009; according to CDC estimates, roughly 350,000 were treated for injuries.

Stephen Wallace, chairman of SADD, says the idea to research close calls by teen drivers came out of focus groups. “We were hearing a lot of kids saying ‘I almost did this, I almost did that,’” Wallace says. The problem is, however, these close calls and crashes aren’t changing driving behaviors and bad habits among teens. According to the Liberty Mutual/SADD study, a little over half the teenagers surveyed said their new habits lasted only a few months or less.

GPS Tracking Devices For Teenage Drivers

As children gradually transition into adolescence, one of the greatest fears that parents often face is placing their teenagers behind the wheel of a car. This is a significant event in the life of both the parent and the teen, however, parents now have the tools necessary to ensure their child is responsible behind the wheel. Teen tracking using GPS technology provides a level of security from the convenience and comfort of home using a computer, smartphone or mobile tablet with internet access.

Real-Time GPS trackers can capture and transmit important GPS location data, such as time, position, and even the vehicle’s speed in a matter of seconds. GPS tracking devices, such as Tracki, Vyncs GPS, LandAirSea 54, and SpaceHawk GPS overlay the live and historical positions over high-resolution satellite images such as Google Maps. This provides a truly user-friendly and intuitive tracking experience.

And since speed is often a major concern for parents, who are the ones that pay for the insurance premiums, alerts can be sent as a text message (SMS) or email when a user-defined violation occurs. In addition to speeding alerts, location proximity alerts can also notify parents of the arrival and departure of their vehicles.

GPS vehicle trackers have also become relatively affordable over the past few years, offering a simple and logical safety solution for less than a cup of coffee per day. Teen tracking also has the potential to provide some financial benefits as well. Many insurance companies recognize GPS tracking devices as a theft recovery solution and offer a policy discount.

How Installing GPS Tracking Devices Can Help Teen Safety

According to recent statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, young drivers between the ages of 16-20 were involved in 58,392 total reported crashes in 2010. And although they account for about 8% of all licensed drivers, their involvement in crashes is considerably higher. In addition, teenagers driving at night with passengers are four to five times more likely to crash than teenagers driving during the day.

A statistical research study performed by the National Traffic Safety Administration also revealed that more than 5,000 teens are killed annually in traffic collisions, which makes it the leading cause of death for Americans between ages 15 and 20.

GPS car trackers, can be used to monitor and track the driving habits of young drivers by keeping them accountable for their whereabouts and their driving tendencies. Installing a GPS tracking device can also help reduce the risk of vehicle-related accidents, injuries, or even fatalities among young, less-experienced drivers.

While no guaranteed life-saving inventions are available in today’s market, proper monitoring and guidance can greatly reduce the risk of injuries and/or fatalities among teenage drivers. Utilizing devices such as real-time GPS trackers, can serve as a valuable preventative tool to help parents monitor one of their most cherished assets, their children.

Trauma can significantly impact an individual`s life, leaving lasting effects that can be difficult to overcome. Trauma can result from many experiences, including accidents, abuse, natural disasters, etc. The resulting emotional pain and stress can be overwhelming, making it difficult to move forward. 

However, counselling can provide a safe and supportive space to help individuals overcome trauma.

This article will explore how counselling can help individuals overcome trauma and how to choose a qualified counsellor.

What is trauma?

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual`s ability to cope. Trauma can significantly impact an individual`s life, causing anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and other psychological symptoms.

Common types of trauma:

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can cause significant trauma.

Physical or Sexual Abuse

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause lasting trauma that can impact an individual`s mental and emotional well-being.

Accidents

Serious accidents, such as car accidents or workplace accidents, can also cause trauma.

War or Conflict

Those who have experienced war or conflict can experience trauma as a result of the violence, loss of loved ones, and displacement.

How Counselling Helps Overcome Trauma

Counselling can effectively overcome trauma, providing individuals with the support and guidance they need to move forward in life. Here are some of the ways counselling can help overcome trauma:

Creating a safe space

Counselling provides a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can share their experiences without fear of stigma or shame. Counsellors are trained to create a safe environment that encourages open and honest communication, which can be particularly important for those who have experienced trauma.

Validating emotions

Trauma can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, confused, and isolated. Counsellors can help individuals validate their emotions and understand that their reactions are normal responses to abnormal experiences. This can help individuals gain greater control over their feelings and move toward healing.

Identifying triggers

Counselling can help individuals identify the triggers that cause emotional distress and develop coping mechanisms to manage them. Counsellors can help individuals learn healthy ways to manage their emotions and reactions to stimuli, which can improve their overall well-being.

Learning new skills

Counselling can teach individuals new skills to help them manage their emotions, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These skills can help individuals cope with stress and anxiety in their daily lives, improving their overall mental health.

Providing support

Trauma can be a lonely experience, but counselling can give individuals the support they need to heal. Counsellors can help individuals develop a support network, such as connecting with support groups or family members, to provide additional emotional support.

Choosing a Qualified Counsellor

Check credentials

When choosing a counsellor, look for someone with a recognized counseling or therapy credential. This can include a degree in counselling or psychology or certification from a recognized professional organization.

Experienced counsellors and therapists lead most Hong Kong counselling services, and opting for one increases the likelihood of you quickly surpassing your mental and emotional battles.

Ask for references

Ask for references from the counsellor`s previous clients. This can help you understand the counsellor`s experience and expertise.

Consider specialization

Look for a counsellor who specializes in trauma therapy. This can ensure that the counsellor has experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma and has the tools and skills to provide effective treatment.

For more information, visit:founders mental health service Hong kong