This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week returns, and AAA is reminding parents to talk to their teen drivers about vehicle safety.
National Teen Driver Safety Week runs through Oct. 24 and is intended to raise awareness of the risks teens face behind the wheel. According to AAA, 60% of teens get their driver’s license before the age of 18.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers under 18 are three times more likely than adults per mile driven to end up in a fatal crash due to their inexperience, and that traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens ages 16-19.
The foundation’s Culture Index found that about 72% of teen drivers admitted to engaging in at least one of the following risky behaviors, some
including:
- Texting
- Red-light running
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street
- Aggressive driving
In 2024, 2,320 people were killed in crashes involving drivers ages 15 to 18, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA 51% of teen drivers killed in crashes in 2024 were not wearing seat belts.
Mike Formanowicz, AAA Driver Training Manager, encourages parents to take a defensive driving course to refresh their driving skills and set a good example for young drivers. "“The virtual 5-hour course at AAA coupled with hands-on, in-car experience with a skilled instructor through a variety of routes and in different weather conditions prepares young drivers for safety and success behind the wheel,” Formanowicz said in a statement.
AAA also advises new drivers to “R.E.A.D. the road” to minimize the risk of crashing.
R.E.A.D. the road
- R = Right speed, for right now
- E = Eyes up, brain on
- A = Anticipate their next move
- D = Donut of space around your vehicle
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Teen driving risks to know during safety week
