When young adults get their first car, their baby, it is pretty much the focus of their attention. For a while, they can revel in the fact that they can drive, and they have their independence to come and go without relying on their parents to take them anywhere. Then a text comes that they just cannot wait to respond to while behind the wheel. A car pops up out of nowhere and the situation quickly escalates into one of the worst moments of a young adult’s life.
According to the National Auto Body Council (NABC), young drivers between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five are most likely to be involved in accidents where they get distracted while driving. To help prevent and hopefully minimize these incidences while driving, the National Auto Body Council has brought forward the program, Distracted Driving Initiative, otherwise known as the DDI.
The DDI is an intra-industry program created to make young drivers aware of the risks of driving while not being fully focused in the act of driving. The NABC is working with local law enforcement officers, auto body repair facilities, car insurance providers, schools, and other businesses that want to encourage undistracted driving amongst our youths. These entities will work in unison to provide free classes at local high schools and colleges to demonstrate the dangers of distracted driving. A total loss vehicle that has been in a serious accident will be used to help emphasize the potential risks of distracted driving. Young drivers are also shown supporting videos that help them visualize points to reinforce responsible, attentive driving.
Through this program, many young lives can be saved, and debilitating injuries / the guilt of being responsible for another person’s injuries or life will be minimized. Trust will be built throughout the local community, especially in young drivers. Insurance rates may decrease, which will certainly please both parents and drivers.
Collision repair facilities, law enforcement, school public service officers, high school staff members, student body representatives, community college staff members, regional insurance total loss claims managers, salvage yard general managers and tow companies are all potential partners to the DDI program.
Join Mission Viejo Auto Collision Center in its mission to help reduce reckless, distracted driving in young drivers by implementing the DDI program in Orange County schools and colleges. Mission Viejo Auto Collision is looking to partner with colleges, high schools, insurance companies and organizations listed above to make the roads in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and other cities within Orange County a safer place in which to drive. Contact Todd Hesford at (949)951-7503 or todd@mvautocollision.com for more details on partnering in our local DDI program.
Nothing is as important to young drivers as their cars. It is like chocolates to chocoholics. Some young adults can handle a car just fine. Others need a little help. With this program, young drivers in Orange County can be awakened to the dangers of driving without focusing on the road. Remember, texting AND driving is not a necessity, undistracted driving IS!
