Keeping Young Drivers Safe New Yorks No Empty Chair Campaign

This week, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) observed the ‘No Empty Chair Campaign’ as prom and graduation season are underway for our New York State high school students. 

The enforcement campaign’s purpose is to raise awareness about highway dangers in the hopes of avoiding life-changing or fatal car accidents during proms and graduations. “There is nothing worse than losing a child, and far too often young lives are cut short because of avoidable tragedies, particularly during prom and graduation season,” said GTSC Chair and DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “That’s why we take a coordinated approach with enforcement and peer-to-peer education to remind young drivers about their responsibility as motorists and the very real consequences of driving recklessly, distracted or impaired. We want to make sure young drivers and their passengers make it to prom and graduation and learn positive driving behaviors that will continue throughout their lives.” 

This is a major moment in the lives of our young scholars, and we can only hope they avoid putting themselves and others in danger when on the road. The data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Furthermore, motor vehicle crashes are higher among teens aged 16–19 than any other age group. Per mile driven, teen drivers in this age group are nearly three times as likely to be in a fatal crash as drivers aged 20 or older. 

As part of the campaign, specific infractions were enforced during the week as follows: 

• Speeding in School Zones 
• Seatbelt/Child Restraints 
• Cell Phone and Texting 
• Operation Safe Stop 
• Underage Drinking/Impaired Driving 

Educating our teen drivers on how to safely navigate the NY roads is important in preventing tragic consequences that result from poor driving decisions. Hopefully, in the upcoming weeks leading to prom and graduation young drivers will heed the warnings of the campaign and will be vigilant on the highways and roads. Every seat should be filled during prom and graduation. 

At the Law Offices of Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. we have delt with many motor vehicle accident cases. Our experienced lawyer, Billy Cooper, can handle all your legal concerns if you or someone you love is ever in a car accident. Contact us for a free consultation at (914) 357-8911 or fill out our contact form.