TEEN DRIVING SAFETY SUMMIT

AAA Mid-Atlantic, Urban Youth Racing School Will Have Frank Discussion With Teens About Risks They Face On The RoadDuring Forum At the IDEA Public Charter High School in DC                        Should officials raise the teenage driving age to 17 or even to  18? Should greater restrictions be placed on rookie drivers? Should the District of Columbia require students to take driver’s education? Each year, young drivers and their passengers represent a disproportionate number of the persons killed and injured in traffic crashes, the leading cause of death among teenagers. AAA Mid-Atlantic, the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS), and the Dover International Speedway will hold a teen driving safety summit in Washington tomorrow in the hope of instilling a better appreciation of the need for responsible driving.                                                    UYRS students talking about their driving experiences and how it relates to teen driver safety.   Thirteen teenagers lost their lives in automobiles crashes in the Washington metro region shortly after the start of school last fall. 12 of the 13 fatalities occurred on suburban roads. Nationwide, more than 5000 teenagers – including 1000 16-year-old drivers - die each year in car crashes. The reason? Too little experience, too many passengers, too many distractions, and too little oversight. Are more safe-driving initiatives warranted?