Iowa has been recording an increase in the number of fatal car crashes so far this year, over 30 more than the five-year-average. And according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, fatal car accidents involving teen drivers saw an increase last year by 10 percent. That report cites distracted driving and teen passengers as the number one causes of these accidents. Amy Stracke, Managing Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy for AAA says, “We all know how distracting cell phones can be, but driving with teen passengers is even more dangerous for our younger drivers.” This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and AAA wants every teen to be a good passenger by following some simple guidelines. The first way to be a safe passenger is to refrain from distracting the driver. Avoid unnecessary conversations and phone use and don’t pull the drivers attention away from the road. Teens can also be proactive by silencing phones, adjusting the controls, music and GPS for the driver, navigating, staying alert and saying something if they see unsafe behavior. AAA also recommends parents get involved as their teens learn to drive by helping them practice in varying conditions and to set a good example behind the wheel. More information and resources for parents to help coach teen drivers can be found at www.TeenDriving.AAA.com.
