Parents face many challenges when it comes to coaching their teen drivers. During National Teen Driver Safety Week October 18-24, AAA Northeast wants to encourage and empower parents to discuss the importance of driving safety with their young drivers. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18 years old in the United States. In 2018, there were 2,121 people killed in crashes involving a teen passenger vehicle driver (15-18 years old). In the last decade, more than 40 teens were killed in teen crashes in Rhode Island. From high speeds to impaired and distracted driving, teen drivers are known for engaging in risky behaviors when driving. Data from the CDC’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey also demonstrates marijuana use among high school students in Rhode Island and Massachusetts is above the national average, a concern as more than 9% of drivers ages 16-20 admit to having driven under the influence of marijuana.
Rhode Island Massachusetts National
Rarely or never wore a seatbelt 6.1% *not included 6.5%
Texted/e-mailed while driving 32.3% 38% 39%
Rode with a driver drinking alcohol 14% 15.4% 16.7%
Currently drink alcohol 21.5% 29.8% 29.2%
Ever used marijuana 37.7% 41.9% 36.8%
Currently use marijuana 23% 26% 21.7%
The combination of inexperience and risky driving behaviors can place teen drivers at-risk for both injuries and fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that there was a 51% increase in the rate of fatalities for people involved in a crash with a teen driver transporting only teen passengers compared with crashes in which teen drivers were riding by themselves.
“Parents should be aware of the data involving teen drivers, understand the reasoning behind the restrictions for teen drivers use their state’s graduated driver license laws as a foundation to set household rules for their young drivers. Parents play a vital role in communicating safety information,” said Diana Gugliotta, Senior Manager of Public Affairs at AAA Northeast, “passing a road test and receiving a license does not in any way indicate that a teen is a safe driver, they lack experience. Research shows that by creating a written parent-teen driving contract to set boundaries and expectations early on is an effective way to limit risky driving behaviors that can lead to fatal consequences. Crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens-the time spent on preparing your teen to drive safely is critical.”
AAA Northeast offers resources for parents to prepare and encourage safe driving habits at teendriving.aaa.com, including a sample parent-teen driving contract, access to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s latest research, tips for teaching your student to drive, and information about the graduated driver’s licensing process.
“Teens will learn about driving laws and technique in drivers’ education classes, but it’s the reinforcement of behaviors they receive at home, and watching their parent’s driving behaviors that will shape their driving behavior the most,” Ms. Gugliotta said, “We hope parents will start the conversation about safe driving during National Teen Driver Safety Week, but then continue the conversations frequently to keep their teens safe behind the wheel.”