Teen Safety: what you need to know

Today I want to talk about teen safety on the road. Unfortunately, teens are much more likely to get into an auto accident than an adult driver. Here is what I found as I researched the situation:

National Teen Driving Statistics

• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.
• 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age.
• 16-year-olds are 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the average of all drivers.
• 2,739 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2008, down 13.7% from 3,174 in 2007 and down 20.2% from 3,431 in 1998.
• About 2 out of every 3 teenagers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2008 were males (IIHS).
• Drivers ages 15-20 accounted for 12% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 and 14% of all drivers involved in police-reported crashes.
• 63% of teenage passenger deaths in 2008 occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager. Among deaths of passengers of all ages, 19% occurred when a teenager was driving (IIHS).
• 81% of teenage motor vehicle crash deaths in 2008 were passenger vehicle occupants.
• The number of drivers ages 15-20 involved in fatal crashes totaled 5,864 in 2008, down 16% from 6,982 in 2007 and down 26% from 7,987 in 1998.
• In 2006 (latest data available) crashes involving 15- to 17-year-olds cost more than $34 billion nationwide in medical treatment, property damage and other costs, according to an AAA analysis.
• In states with GDL programs that include at least five of the most important elements, there was a 20% reduction in fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2008:
  
  • Hand-held cellphone use was highest among 16- to 24-year-olds (8% in 2008, down from 9% in 2007).
  • 37% of male drivers ages 15-20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time.
  • 55%, or 2,014, of the 3,678 occupants of passenger vehicles ages 16-20 who were killed in crashes were not buckled up.
  • 31% of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking some amount of alcohol; 25% were alcohol-impaired, meaning they had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher.
• Statistics show that 16- and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger (IIHS).

Here is American Family's answer:

Teen Safe Driver Program

Teens are more than 9 times as likely to get in a car crash than an adult.

Handing over the keys to your teenage driver is one of the most difficult things you'll ever do as a parent. And while teens may drive safely when their parents are in the car, crash rates increase dramatically when parents are not present.
The Teen Safe Driver SM Program uses innovative technology and parent feedback to help teens become safer drivers. As a result, the program can help dramatically reduce risky teen driving behavior. And the best part is it’s absolutely free for automobile insurance customers of American Family Insurance!

On average the Teen Safe Driver SM Program reduces risky driver behavior by 70% according to an independent review by the University of Iowa.

Here’s how it works:

• A small audio/video recording device installed behind the rearview mirror of the car driven by your teen.
• When triggered by erratic vehicle movements, such as extreme braking, acceleration, cornering or a collision, the device provides a video clip of what occurred the 10 seconds before and after the event.
• The recorded event is sent wirelessly to analysts, where it is reviewed and scored and coaching tips are offered.
• Each week parents and teens are encouraged to review and discuss the results, which they access through a secure Website.