Educating Young Drivers is the Key to Safer Roadways

New Mexico teens are losing their lives on our roads in record numbers! Across our country, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for
those under age 20. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6637963 Promising young lives cut short in a mere second by crashes that could have,
in most cases, been prevented! In New Mexico the number of traffic incidents resulting in death or serious
injury is disproportionately high compared to other parts of the country. NM Department of Transportation statistics from recent years indicate that, on
average, a fatality occurs on our roadways every 20 hours!
https://gps.unm.edu/tru/reports/annual-crash-reports/annual-report2023.pdf

That is an average of 36 deaths per month, greater than the number
of pupils in a typical High School classroom. It is in those very classrooms that the foundations of change must be laid!
Young drivers who have not yet made a habit of dangerous behavior behind the wheel are the ones who will have the greatest influence on reversing the
deadly trend that has become epidemic in our society.

A local non-profit, Vulnerable Road Users NM, has as its mission to “educate and advocate so that all who use our roads are respected, safe, and
accountable.” Much of VRUnm’s effort goes toward empowering young drivers and those who will soon sit behind the wheel to change the culture
on our roadways by devoting themselves to safe driving practices. In particular, the group encourages a commitment to VRU’s safe driving pledge:
https://www.vrunm.org/vru-safe-driving-pledge Since the group began sharing the pledge late last year, a large percentage of the students they have
spoken with have taken the pledge right then and there! In the words of one attendee, “I suddenly realized how deep and meaningful the consequences of
my actions could be”. Another student pointed out that everyone he had ever ridden with has used their cell phone while driving. Considering the risks and
consequences of distracted driving represents a significant cultural shift! He is convinced that becoming aware of the high cost of distracted driving will
have a lasting effect on his own behavior. When students have the opportunity to drive a state-of-the-art simulator,
many educators and public officials report an enhanced understanding of the risks of unsafe driving. A realistic driving experience impresses upon young
drivers in a tangible way just how quickly a poor choice behind the wheel can
result in disaster.

Local teens can find out for themselves at a DRIVE Back-to-School SAFE event on August 2 and 3, 2025 at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces. From 9
AM to 5 PM each day, students can handle a real car, equipped with virtualreality simulator, and get feedback about their driving. The technician will
introduce roadway challenges to demonstrate the importance of giving one’s full attention to driving safely. Teens age 15 and older are invited to give it a try;
there is no charge for the event. Additional information available on the organization’s website: https://www.vrunm.org/about-8
Vulnerable Road Users NM is grateful to community partners who have come alongside to demonstrate their commitment to safer roadways in and around
our community: Citizen’s Bank, Home Pros Remodeling, Las Cruces Homebuilders Association “Casa For a Cause”, Mayfield High School, Mesilla
Driving Academy, Optimist Club of Las Cruces, and Prosper Real Estate. Read more about the organization’s values and projects at VRUnm.org.