Deadly crash rates rise when teen driver only has teen passengers in car, AAA report says (WESH 2 News)

AAA is urging passengers to take an active role in preventing dangerous driving, with a particular focus on teen drivers.

Experts with AAA report that deadly crash rates rise 51% when a teen driver only has teen passengers in their car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly two-thirds of people killed in crashes with a teen driver were other teenagers who were riding with them.

AAA says parents can set boundaries for their teens, like limiting how many teens are in the car and choosing not to ride with someone if the limit is passed. They also suggest serving as a role model for others by buckling up, offering to handle the driver's phone for navigation or if they need to respond to something, and making sure they speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable.

Additionally, as a parent, make sure your teens know you are always a safe person to call for a ride.

Access the WESH 2 News website to learn more about teen passenger safety.