Don't Be A Victim: Teens and safe driving 7:19 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NASCAR Driver Kasey Kahne is getting ready to take a message of safe driving to high schools around the country. He talked to WCNC about the type of things he is pushing with young drivers.
Driving on the highway is a lot more dangerous than driving on a NASCAR track, and that's why teens need to take precautions.
“There's a lot of things that you can do when you’re driving and at the end of the day it can get you in trouble,” said Kasey Kahne.
Eating, using iPods and cell phones and too many people in the car are distractions that can be avoided on the road.
“That can make a difference for anyone, definitely text messaging, talking on your phone. Everything can make a difference. You really have to be aware of what’s going on when you’re driving,” he said.
The interstate is not a race track - and the consequences could be deadly
“It’s there for a reason. We travel fast during the races, we have a lot more safety devices,” said Kasey Kahne. “We're probably much safer driving our cars than anyone on the regular streets.”
Not wearing your seatbelt is just stupid. Last year more than 1,500 people died on North Carolina roads. Almost half died because they weren't wearing their seatbelts. Just like on a race track, things happen quickly
“Always wear your seatbelt. Things happen in a hurry and if something was to happen, just wearing your seatbelt and you’re much safer that way,” Kasey Kahne said.
A good driver can anticipate things before they start. Always expect the worst.
“You never know when it is going to happen. Always be looking out for what is going on because things can happen anytime,” he said.
Kasey Kahne is partnering with Allstate to visit several high schools this fall to promote his safe driving initiative. He is also encouraging students to sign the company's parent -teen driving contract to promote conversations between parents and teens.
See more at www.wcnc.com
