Brock Bowers Promotes Safe Driving During National Teen Driver Safety Week

Brock Bowers, the tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, is leveraging his status as an emerging NFL star to advocate for safe driving among teenagers. His efforts come in light of alarming statistics: motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-to-18-year-olds in the United States, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting that 2,611 individuals were killed in incidents involving a teen driver in 2023.

This initiative coincides with National Teen Driver Safety Week, a campaign that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving practices. Bowers has partnered with the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and the Metropolitan Police Department to emphasize the need for caution among young drivers. “I think it’s really important to the community,” Bowers stated. “When I first started driving, I was a little nervous, so it’s just building that confidence and being safe out there.”

Addressing Local Driving Challenges

In his second year with the Raiders, Bowers has observed that driving in Las Vegas presents unique challenges. He described the driving culture in the Las Vegas Valley as “a little crazier than some other spots.” This sentiment was echoed by Gavin Simmons, a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who moved from Oregon. “Driving out here in Vegas is a lot different,” Simmons remarked, noting the aggressive nature of local drivers.

The Metropolitan Police Department highlighted the urgency of educating young drivers, particularly as the end of the year approaches. Metro Lt. Cody Fulwiler noted that the months of October through December typically see a spike in traffic fatalities. In October 2024, there have already been eight traffic deaths, including two tragic incidents involving 12-year-olds.

“It’s especially tragic when a juvenile is involved,” Fulwiler said, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness during this period filled with holiday celebrations.

Driving Simulators and Community Engagement

On October 13, a community event at UNLV featured driving simulators provided by USAA. These simulators allow participants to experience the effects of distractions and impaired driving without the risks associated with real-life scenarios. Fulwiler explained that such interactive experiences are crucial for young drivers, who often lack the experience to recognize the dangers of distracted driving.

“Any time we can have an event with a simulator style to focus on our driving and how it can affect us without being on the roadway, we support it,” he added.

Simmons believes that education and awareness initiatives are essential, especially in a city known for its nightlife and potential for impaired driving. “The Vegas culture has a lot to do with adults out there partying, having fun, but it influences the amount of impaired accidents and fatalities,” he noted.

Fulwiler stressed the importance of guidance from parents and family members to reinforce safe driving practices. “It’s not just when you’re in the driver’s seat, but also having those conversations outside of the car about the impact that a tragedy can have,” he said.

As the year draws to a close, Fulwiler offered several safety tips for drivers of all ages, urging them to:

– Put phones away; they can wait.
– Avoid speeding.
– Prepare for the end-of-day time changes and increased darkness.
– Be vigilant for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians as the weather cools.
– Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“If you’re going to be engaging in those activities, please use a rideshare service or stay at a hotel,” Fulwiler advised. “Lives can be changed in an instant.”

Bowers’ commitment to promoting safe driving habits during Teen Driver Safety Week not only highlights the pressing issue of road safety but also serves as a reminder that every driver, especially young ones, must prioritize responsibility behind the wheel.