National Teen Driver Safety Week runs from October 20th – 26th. This is a perfect time for parents to talk with teen drivers about the importance of safety behind the wheel.

• AAA research shows that more than 60% of teens get their driver’s license before the age of 18.
• Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that for every mile driven, new teen drivers, ages 16-17 years old, are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash.
• Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States. In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen passenger vehicle driver (15-18 years old), of which 811 deaths were the teen passenger vehicle driver.

Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one risky behaviors:

• Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)
• Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
• Texting (35%)
• Red-light running (32%)
• Aggressive driving (31%)
• Drowsy driving (25%)
• Driving without a seatbelt (17%)

It’s never too soon for parents to talk to teen drivers about safety. Young drivers can also benefit from professional, one-on-one training to understand the rules of the road and their responsibilities. Driving instructors also take some of the stress away from parents who struggle with teaching their children how to navigate a vehicle. AAA Driver Training is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Founded in October 2004, the program has assisted 386,000 total students with almost 900,000 instruction hours across the region.

“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,” said Mike Formanowicz, AAA Driver Training Manager, who also encourages parents to take a AAA defensive driving course to refresh their driving skills, earn insurance discounts, and set a good example for young drivers.

AAA advises new drivers to “R.E.A.D. the road” to minimize their risk of a crash:

• R = Right speed, for right now: Always mind the speed limit and reduce speed when driving in adverse weather.
• E = Eyes up, brain on: Always scan the road to anticipate dangers ahead.  Eliminate distractions and keep your mind focused on the task of driving.
• A = Anticipate their next move: Be aware of other drivers on the road. Anticipate their next move and always have a plan to respond.
• D = DONUT of space around your vehicle: Keep large amounts of space to the front and sides of the vehicle.

Students who need more information can go online to www.AAA.com/DriverTraining where they can enroll in online courses or call (800) 836-2582. AAA is also recruiting driving instructors. Learn more at www.AAA.com/Careers.