(PADUCAH, Ky.) — As National Teen Driver Safety Week gets underway from October 19-25, AAA East Central is calling on parents across the region to have critical discussions with their teenage drivers about staying safe on the road.
The urgency is underscored by sobering statistics: motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States, with new teen drivers ages 16-17 facing three times the risk of being involved in a deadly crash compared to adult drivers, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
“Motor vehicle crashes continue to be one of the leading causes of death for teens and the risk is especially high during a teen’s first year of independent driving,” said Lynda Lambert, safety advisor for AAA East Central. “It’s crucial that parents talk to their teens about driving safety and make sure they are modeling good behavior behind the wheel.”
The numbers paint a troubling picture. Between 2019 and 2023, crashes involving teen drivers claimed 13,135 lives nationwide. Last year alone saw 2,897 fatalities linked to teen driver crashes—a significant jump from 2,514 deaths in 2022.
AAA research shows that more than 60% of teens obtain their driver’s license before turning 18, marking a major milestone that comes with serious responsibilities. However, inexperience and risky behavior create a dangerous combination behind the wheel.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, 72% of teen drivers ages 16-18 admitted to engaging in at least one risky behavior while driving. The most common infractions include driving 10 mph over the speed limit on residential streets (47%), speeding 15 mph over the limit on freeways (40%), and texting while driving (35%). Additionally, 32% admitted to running red lights, 31% engaged in aggressive driving, 25% drove while drowsy, and 17% drove without wearing a seatbelt.
To combat these risks, AAA recommends parents consider enrolling their teens in professional, one-on-one driver training. Professional instructors provide structured learning while helping to ease the stress many parents experience when teaching their children to drive.
The organization also promotes its R.E.A.D. the Road approach for new drivers:
- Right speed, for right now: Obey speed limits and adjust for weather conditions
- Eyes up, brain on: Stay alert and avoid distractions
- Anticipate their next move: Watch other drivers and be prepared to react
- DONUT of space: Maintain a safe buffer zone around your vehicle
More information about teen driver safety is available at https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/teen-driver-safety/.
