Were you aware that motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teenagers in America? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of youth deaths, aged 15 to 20 years. In the United States, 1 in 4 crash fatalities involve a person 16 to 24 years old, nearly twice as high as other age groups.
In the United States, 12.8% of all fatal traffic crashes were alcohol-related. Of that number 40% involved teenagers driving while under the influence alcohol.
A study conducted by Allstate Insurance Company in December 2008 revealed the top ten deadliest cities for teen car crashes during New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. This is a time when most people celebrate and drink alcohol, including teenagers.
The top deadliest cities for teen car crashes include:
* Jacksonville, Florida* Columbus, Ohio* Birmingham, Alabama* Orlando, Florida* Phoenix, Arizona* Las Vegas, Nevada* Philadelphia, Pennsylvania* Richmond, Virginia* Sacramento, California* St. Louis, Missouri
If you are a parent with a teenage driver, it's highly advisable to talk with your teen about the importance of safe driving. Studies have shown that teens whose parents talk to them about alcohol use are far less likely to drink than teens whose parents do not talk about the issue with them.
To prevent drunk driving in teenagers, people have proposed that the government should pass graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws. These laws include establishing longer periods of supervised driving, limits on late-night driving, and cell phone bans for teen drivers.
The problem of teen drunk driving hasn't received enough attention. It's up to parents and communities to become more involved in spreading the word and educating teens about the dangers of drunk driving.
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