"Teen Driver Safety Week" Addresses Auto Crashes Being Leading Cause of Death for American Teens

DETROIT--Oct. 17, 2011: Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers, with teens involved in three times as many fatal crashes as other drivers, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In recognition of October 16-22 being NHTSA's "Teen Driver Safety Week," shopautoweek.com offers tips for keeping young drivers safe on the road -- this week and throughout the year.

Some research suggests that driver's education programs don't reduce the number of teen-related crashes, but such programs are often required by state mandate. Even when they're not, driver's training can be a helpful learning tool when paired with real world experience.

"Classroom learning won't teach teens all they need to know to stay safe," said Jayne O'Donnell, shopautoweek.com contributing editor. "An integrated approach is best, with teens taking what they learn in the classroom right to the road, accompanied by a parent or responsible adult."

When choosing a driving school , shopautoweek.com recommends you look for the following:

• Accreditation.
• A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio. Ten students to every one teacher is ideal; 24-to-1 should be the maximum ratio. (AAA)
• On-the-road time with an instructor.
• Participation in professional associations, including the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association and the Driving School Association of America. (AAA)
• A school that emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in supervising a new driver. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

But what about after a teen earns their license and takes to the roads alone?

"Parents can't always be in the car with their teens, but there are ways they can still have a presence even when they're not physically in the next seat," said Sherrice Gilsbach, shopautoweek.com associate online editor. "Families should discuss boundaries and expectations, with parents clearly defining the consequences of breaking rules."