Multiple Teen Crashes Underscore Reality Facing Young Drivers
Phoenix, Ariz.,
April 17, 2008 – Over the last week, three motor vehicle crashes involving teen drivers have occurred across the Phoenix metro area, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. These recent tragedies shed light on the unfortunate reality that young drivers across the state and country are faced with every time they get into a vehicle – young drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers in any other age group, especially when their vehicle contains passengers.
“The sad reality is that traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for teens in this country, killing more teens every year than alcohol, drugs, suicide and violence combined. In addition, studies show that excessive speed and multiple passengers, both of which have been reported as contributing factors in these recent crashes, contribute to more teen crashes than alcohol use,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “In fact, for each passenger a teen driver has in their vehicle, their crash risk doubles.”
A study commissioned by AAA Arizona showed that during 1995-2004, teen driver crashes in Arizona killed nearly 700 people. The study also showed that in three out of four fatalities involving an Arizona teen driver, the deceased weren’t the teen drivers, but other drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists. In 2006, over 9,000 teens in Arizona were injured and 160 were killed. Additionally, males are more likely to die in these crashes than females—nearly 64 percent of those who died in 2006 were teen males.
“With the end of the school year approaching, we are heading into the summer months, which are historically the most dangerous months of the year for young drivers,” said Gorman. “Driving inexperience, multiple passengers and speeding is often a recipe for disaster in many of these instances. These tragedies that occurred over the last couple of days are similar to the ones we hear about year after year. Unfortunately, as a result of them, we are reminded of how devastating the results can be.”
As a result of the teen driver related crashes that have occurred this week, AAA Arizona recommends that parents talk to their young drivers and teens about the following:
- Distractions. Limit the number of passengers in your teenager’s vehicle to no more than one in order to reduce the risk of your teen being distracted while driving. Also, discuss the dangers of other distractions with your teen, such as cell phones, text messaging and music, among others.
- Speed. Make sure your teen understands the importance of maintaining a safe speed when driving. Let them know that if they speed or engage in aggressive driving behaviors, they are not only breaking the law, but also putting their safety and the safety of everyone on the road at risk.
- Buckle Up. Make sure your teen wears their seatbelt and knows the importance of buckling up every single time they get into a car, even if they are just driving or riding a short distance.
- Drugs & Alcohol. Make an agreement with your teen that they will not drive or ride with anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Be There. Make sure your teen knows that if they need help, advice or a ride, they can call you at any time, no questions asked. Extend this offer often so they are reminded that it is always available to them, and let them know that they will not be judged or in trouble should they need your help.
- Lead by Example. Be a positive role model by exhibiting good driving skills and behavior such as obeying speed limits, being courteous to other drivers, and avoiding the use of electronic devices while driving.
- Contracts. A parent-teen driving agreement is a helpful way to open the lines of communication as it can be used to clearly spell out driving privileges, responsibilities and consequences for violations as well as to ward off peer pressure. A parent-parent contract encourages parents to adopt a shared view and approach to their teen’s driving, and to work as a team to ensure teens gain driving experience in the safest environment possible during their first and most critical year as a driver.
- Know the Facts. Attend AAA Arizona’s “Dare to Prepare” workshop for parents and their teens. The workshop will provide participants with critical information they will need to know before teens take the wheel, and will explain the steps to obtain a permit and a driver’s license in the state of Arizona. Additionally, it will provide guidance and useful tools to help your teen go through the learning-to-drive process. To register or learn more, visit http://www.aaaaz.com/news/DareToPrepare.htm.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. |
