National Passenger Safety Week underway

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - As a passenger in a car, you probably don’t think you have as much responsibility on the road as the driver, but that’s not always the case.

This week is a good reminder of that; it’s National Passenger Safety Week.

According to Nationalpassengersafety.org, 6,275 passengers were killed in crashes in 2020.

More than fifty percent of teenage passengers died in crashes in which cars were driven by other teenagers. That’s why the founder of We Save Lives and the National Road Safety Foundation encourages parents to speak with your teens about speaking up if they feel unsafe.

“The passengers have the power to save a life and we want to empower them to do that... and parents, I urge you to let your teens know that you will pick them up, no questions asked, if they’re ever in a dangerous driving situation. Safety is the priority here,” said Candace Lightner, We Save Lives President.

Lightner said it’s important parents know who their teens are driving with and ask questions.

“Keep in mind, your teen is getting in the car with somebody who has control over a two-ton weapon; they don’t. The driver does and you should know everything possible about that driver,” said Lightner.

She also wants to remind people never get in a car with someone you believe is under the influence.

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