This year’s National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 18 to 24) is back to raise awareness on driver safety measures to keep everyone safe on the roads, especially teens.

Last year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety noticed a trend: more than 60 percent of teens got their driver’s license before the age of 18. This is an 11 percent increase since 2012, when the foundation first evaluated the issue. The foundation found that for every mile driven, new teen drivers (16 to 17 years old) are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash.

To battle this alarming reality, all states now have Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems for teen drivers ages 16 and 17. These systems help them gradually learn the rules of the road under less risky conditions. The programs require minimum holding periods and practice requirements for teens with learner’s permits, followed by restricted licenses that limit driving at night or with peer passengers.

“It is imperative that all new drivers practice driving with a skilled coach through a variety of routes and in different weather conditions before heading out on their own,” said Dr. Bill Van Tassel, AAA manager of driver training programs. “Novice drivers shouldn’t let the first time that they drive in the rain or on the freeway be at a time when they’re alone.”

By setting parameters, new drivers can greatly minimize their risk of a crash. AAA recommends that, regardless of their age when first learning to drive, new drivers should remember to “R.E.A.D the road”:

R: Right speed, for right now: Always mind the speed limit and reduce your speed when traveling in adverse weather conditions.

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: Doughnut of space around your vehicle. Keep large amounts of space to the front and sides of your vehicle.

TeenDriving.AAA.com has a variety of tools to help prepare parents and teach new drivers the rules of the road. The online AAA StartSmart program also offers great resources for parents on how to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage their teen’s overall driving privileges. Novice drivers preparing for the responsibility of driving alone should enroll in a driver education program that teaches how to avoid driver distraction and other safety skills.

TEENDRIVING.AAA.COM