As shocking as that may seem, and as tragic as it is, the good news is that many teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable.

“Over the summer, we talk about the 100 Deadliest Days, the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the average number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers is 17% higher compared to the rest of the year,” said Mike Formanowicz, manager of driver training at AAA Western and Central New York. “Even though we’re past that now, talking with teens about safe driving should be a continuous conversation throughout the year.”

October 20-26 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. The week is dedicated to encouraging parents of teen drivers to talk to their kids about the greatest dangers on the road: speeding, distracted driving, drinking and driving and inconsistent seat belt use.

“Talking frequently about driving safety, creating a driving agreement, practicing driving together and leading by example can make a huge difference in keeping your teen drive safer – especially when you’re not in the car, “said Formanowicz.

Here are some key points to remember during Teen Driver Safety Week – and throughout the year:

• Talk about driving safety early and often
  • Know when to slow down for bad road conditions
  • Impaired driving is NEVER an option
  • Eliminate distractions (cellphone, radio, friends in the car)
  • Stay alert and scan the road for hazards
• Sign a formal agreement to establish driving boundaries; visit Teendriving.AAA.com for a sample agreement
• Plan to log at least 100 hours of driving practice with your teen before letting them drive solo
• Show your teen that you take driving as seriously as you expect them to

Sometimes, having an outsider involved can reinforce safe driving behaviors. Consider signing your teen up for AAA’s Licensed to Learn (LTL) Program, which includes classroom or online instruction and in-car driving lessons.

Teenage LTL drivers ages 16 and 17 have a 62 percent lower accident rate in New York state. All AAA Driver Training instructors are New York state DMV-certified and receive 33% more training than is mandated to assure the quality and effectiveness of instruction.

Learn more about what AAA WCNY offers for teen drivers 

AAA DRIVER TRAINING