Editorial

Summer months most dangerous for teen drivers

Friday, May 29, 2015

One of the most stressful times for parents of teenagers is the first time they turn over the car keys and watch their child leave the driveway.

It turns out, however, it's really the other drivers who should be worried.

According to a new report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the majority of people killed -- 66 percent -- and injured -- 67 percent -- in crashes involving a teen driver are people other than the teen drivers themselves.

AAA is promoting the study to raise awareness during the "100 Deadliest Days" analysis of the government's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which showed an average of 220 teen drivers and passengers died in traffic crashes during each of the summer months, 43 percent higher than the rest of the year.

It's not all bad news; over the last 20 years, non-fatal injury crashes and fatal crashes of teen drivers decreased by 51 percent and 56 percent respectively, a greater decrease than crashes involving all ages.

Better driver training and graduated drivers licensing laws like one in effect in Nebraska has helped, as have improved stability and safety technology in cars, but distractions like smart phones have probably offset the advances.

Technology has the potential to continue reducing traffic fatalities, but nothing can replace good training, responsible driving and just plain experience when it comes to staying safe behind the wheel.

Check out teen driving safety information and tips at http://bit.ly/1LNVrzv

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