More than 10,000 teenagers in Texas are killed and injured each year due to car crashes, and car crashes remain the leading cause of death among teenagers across the country. To help educate teens and their parents about the licensing process and safe driving, AAA Texas will host a free workshop called Dare to Prepare. The workshop is designed for pre-permit teens ages 14 – 17 years.
AAA B-ROLL VIDEO FOR NEWS MEDIA |
Driving School B-ROLL: https://vimeo.com/336605310 AAA Teen Texting Crash Study B-roll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQZ1_ogEmWo |
Courtesy: AAA Texas |
Topics covered will include:
- Risks and responsibilities of driving
- State Graduated Driver Licensing requirements and restrictions
- What to look for in a driving school
- How to pick a safe vehicle
- Parent’s role in the learning process
- Safety information on distracted, impaired, drowsy driving and what to do when your car breaks down
- Guest speakers will also share their personal stories of close calls and how distracted driving changed their life
The event takes place on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. at Lochwood Library, 11221 Lochwood Blvd, Dallas, TX 75218.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required at AAA.com/Safety4Teens or by calling 512-383-4342. Teens must participate with a parent or guardian.
100 DEADLIEST DAYS |
In 2021, new data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed Texas had more summertime crash deaths involving teen drivers than any other state. Across the U.S., more than 7,000 people died in teen driving-related summertime crashes from 2010 to 2019. That’s more than seven people per day during the 100 Deadliest Days – the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day – compared to the rest of the year (six people per day). According to previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, new teen drivers ages 16-17 are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash.
Texas teen drivers were involved in more fatal crashes than young drivers in any other state. From 2010 to 2019, there were 2,318 deaths on Texas roadways involving teen drivers, with nearly 30% occurring during summertime. California ranked second in total deaths involving teen drivers at 1,631, followed by Florida at 1,584.
As teens take to the road this summer, AAA Texas recommends that parents model safe driving behaviors and help ensure their teens practice them, too. It’s a good idea for parents to consider having their teens complete a comprehensive driver education course as well as focus on the dangers of three factors that commonly result in deadly crashes for teen drivers:
Distraction: Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes, four times as many as official estimates based on police reports. The top distractions for teens include talking to other passengers in the vehicle and interacting with a smartphone.
Not Buckling Up: 60 percent of teen drivers killed in a crash were not wearing a safety belt. Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.
Speeding: Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers. A previous AAA survey of driving instructors found that speeding is one of the top three mistakes teens make when learning to drive.
About AAA: AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of independently owned motor clubs and nearly 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the motorist and safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas.