Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 19-year olds in the United States. In fact, in 2014 there were 2,679 teen (15 to 19) passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes and an estimated 123,000 teens were injured. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association announced that teen related fatal car crashes went up by 10% in 2015.

AAA says teen drivers are making 3 deadly mistakes: speeding, driving distracted and not scanning properly.

Parents need to take the time to talk with their kids about the many dangers of driving. Those dangers include alcohol, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and extra passengers.

In order to change the devastating trend of teen car crashes resulting in death or life changing injuries, we MUST change the conversation about driving. It is critical for parents and teenagers to become better educated about the issues that surround teen driving. National Teen Driver Safety Week is designed to highlight the crisis of teen car crashes and to get young people to engage in the conversation about safe and responsible driving.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia continues to provide resources for teens, parents and educators. To learn more click here.