Tailgating, speeding, and distractions are a deadly combination for teens, who lack behind the wheel driving experience, says AAA Northeast.
Because parents play critical roles in teen driver safety, the auto club regards this week – National Teen Driver Safety Week – as the perfect time to highlight that role.
It’s important for parents to discuss risky driving behaviors with their young drivers, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“Teens need time to develop safe driving skills,” Mayko added. “As new drivers, they lack behind the wheel experience, which increases the odds of a deadly outcome – not just for the young driver, but for passengers and other roadway users.”
Last year, in Connecticut, nearly 12,000 teen drivers between 16 and 19 years of age were involved in crashes, a figure that equates to one teen-involved crash every 45 minutes.
Of that number, 17 teens were killed last year, the highest since 2007; and another 1,488 were injured, the highest since 2017.
The factors contributing to Connecticut’s teen driver crashes last year include:
- Following too closely (2,756 drivers)
- Failing to keep in the proper lane (1,757 drivers)
- Speeding / driving too fast for conditions (1,191 crashes)
- Failing to yield the right-of-way (1,079 drivers)
- Distraction (618 drivers)
Self-reported surveys indicate teens whose parents set firm driving rules typically engage in less risky driving behaviors and were involved in fewer crashes, said Mayko
To coach teen drivers, AAA Northeast suggests parents:
- Familiarize themselves and comply with the state’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing laws on ct.gov/dmv.
- Sign a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement and enroll the teen in a professional driver education program. Visit aaa.com/teendriving.
For more information and resources for new drivers, visit AAA.com.