Are PA Teenagers Driving More Safely?
Statistics from AAA show road deaths are up among 16- and 17-year-olds nationwide, but not in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania's recent decrease in driving deaths among 16- and 17-year-olds bucked a nationwide increase of 19 percent, AAA Mid-Atlantic announced Tuesday.
In the first six months of 2012, six Pennsylvania drivers of those ages died in accidents, down from 10 in the first six months of 2011, according to AAA. Throughout the United States, the toll rose from 202 to 240.
Read on for more information from AAA, then tell us in the comments section below whether you've noticed teens driving more safely in the last couple years:
"This is good news for the Keystone state, and we hope the recent strengthening of Pennsylvania teen driving laws will continue the positive trend," said Jenny M. Robinson, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "But parents need to keep playing a role to ensure their teens drive safely. Also, an improving economy could see more teen miles being driven and a corresponding rise in accidents."
In 2011, there were 1,286 highway fatalities in Pennsylvania. More breakdowns are published in PennDOT’s 2011 Crash Facts Book.
Teen drivers and seniors (AAA.com/SeniorDriving) are groups of special concern. The latest crash data for Pennsylvania shows an increase in fatalities involving a 16-year old driver—a jump to 29 fatalities in 2011, compared to 19 for 2010. And about 4.5% of those 17-21 got in a crash last year in the state. Teens and their parents can find valuable free information and resources at AAA.com/TeenDriving.
Tom
2:12 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
No, because most don't drive anymore. They think living on their tablets, phones, and PCs is all they need. Most teens do not want to drive and seems to go into their 20's.
wendy
6:48 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tom, that's not fair or the case. All my boys drive, they have too. They are athletes and have jobs. Same with their friends. My husband and I run our own business, they have to get themselves to practice and work. They are also honor students and use technology a lot, but it's hardly a replacement for socializing with their friends. Do you have or know any kids?
Catherine
7:36 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I think it's due most of all to the 'designated driver' idea that adults use. High schoolers who drink often have one in their group who stays sober so he/she can get everyone home. Readers may not agree, but it's keeping kids who decide to drink safer and that's what really matters.
nnfulhub
9:29 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I would suggest anyone with a teen driver check out http://streetsurvival.org/ . It is hands down the best way for teens (or anyone for that matter) to safely find the limits of their vehicle under real world conditions. Excellent instructors/volunteers