ARIZONA CONTINUES TO LAG BEHIND OTHER STATES TO KEEP TEEN DRIVERS SAFER

Arizona is far behind in being a safe state for the riskiest group of all teens. The state could do more to make it a safer state for ALL drivers by putting stricter limits on teenagers, the state’s most dangerous drivers. 45 other states in the country have implemented such laws that place restrictions on teen driving and therefore cut the number of teen-driver related crashes and fatalities.

Yet Arizona is one of five states without any teen driver restrictions, also known as graduated driver’s licensing. Others are North Dakota, Arkansas, Minnesota and Kansas. States, such as California and North Carolina, have adopted night and passenger restrictions for teens and have seen more than a 20 percent reduction in total crashes.

While AAA supports legislation strengthening teen driver requirements, Arizona lawmakers have made little progress on this issue.

Car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers. A first-of-its kind study released by AAA earlier this year revealed Arizona crashes involving teen drivers kill other people more often than the teen drivers themselves. Other findings included:

• 3 out of 4 fatalities involving Arizona teen drivers were other drivers and passengers.
• During 1995- 2004, Arizona teen driver crashes killed 151 teen drivers and 442 other people.

Until Arizona lawmakers place limits on teen drivers that will save lives and make Arizona roads safer for everyone, AAA urges parents to take these steps to protect their children. 

• Limit nighttime driving.  Set a “driving curfew” for your teen.  In states where nighttime limits are in place, teen crashes have gone down.
• Say “no” to teen drivers carrying teen passengers.  Whether due to distractions or a lack of experience, teen drivers and teen passengers are a deadly combination, with up to five times the risk of a crash when teen passengers are in the car as when a teen is driving alone.
• Parent-to-Parent Contract. Discuss safe driving principles with other parents and make a commitment  to work together as a team to ensure your teens gain driving experience in the safest possible environment.  Contact AAA Arizona Public Affairs for a sample contract.
• Parent Exchange.  AAA provides suggestions on how to start a group conversation on teen driving, topics to discuss and ways to look out for each other’s kids.
• Driver Training.  Make sure your teen is enrolled in a comprehensive, accredited novice driver training program to learn safe driving practices.  Contact AAA for an Approved Driving Network School (ADSN).  , AAA’s Driver-ZED DVD is a full-screen, full-motion, real-life interactive computer video specifically designed for teens. They experience 100 behind-the-wheel scenarios to identify, assess and react to potential risks. To receive your copy, send a check or money order for $20.00 to: AAA Arizona Public Affairs, Driver-ZED, 3144 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013
• Be a Good Role Model.  If you speed, tailgate and run red lights your teen is likely to as well. There’s no better role model than you.

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