On December 14, 2010, NTSB Chairman Debbie Hersman joined DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland and Congressman Mike Rogers at the Safe Kids USA launch of Countdown2Drive, an educational program for teens ages 13-14 and their parents.  "At the Safety Board we know that teenagers are four times more likely than their parents to be involved in crashes, and that risk extends not just to teen drivers but also teen passengers" Chairman Hersman said. "A 16 year-old driver with three passengers is three times more likely to be involved in a crash than a 16 year-old driving alone.  Many times, the passengers in the car with a 16 year-old driver are other teenagers." 

Countdown2Drive aims to reinforce safety habits for this vulnerable age group by giving parents and teens a checklist of 5 ways to stay safe in a car:

·         Always wear a seat belt;

·         Do not distract the driver;

·         Never ride with drivers who have been drinking or doing other drugs;

·         Ride with experienced drivers only; and

·         Avoid riding with drivers you know are unsafe.