According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. Len Pagano of the Safe America Foundation is trying to change that deadly statistic.
Pagano started the foundation to not only teach kids how to drive, but about the dangers on the road. He hopes the students get the message.
"Part of the problem of summer is that we tend to look at teens, and they're out of school. They don't have that many responsibilities and they take more risks than adults and that's certainly true behind the wheel," said Pagano.
Jack Wachtel nearly lost his son, John, in a car accident.
"Nobody knows what really happened because there were no witnesses other than him. He was alone in the car. It was daylight. It wasn't raining out. He just came too fast into a turn and lost control of the car," said Wachtel
His son ended up wrapping his car around a tree.
"He had a traumatic brain injury. He had a collapsed lung. Broke several ribs. Shattered both bones in his arms. He had a 50-50 chance of living," said Wachtel.
Fortunately for Wachtel, John did live. He still undergoes therapy.
For those students taking the driver education class with the foundation, the prospective drivers will hopefully learn from the mistakes of others.
Wachtel says parents need to know where their kids are and that "parents need to know and have confidence in their kids and their driving ability."
What can you do to reverse this disturbing summer trend? Besides signing your teen up for class, make sure you model good driving behavior, because kids tend to do what parents do. You can also make your teens practice with you for a significant amount of time before letting them drive. For more information on foundation and their classes, visit http://www.safeamericadrivers.org/
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers.
