Motor vehicle crashes top teen killer

ERIE , Pa., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Auto crashes are the top killer of U.S. teens and a Pennsylvania insurance company advises parents to set ground rules to prevent auto accidents.

Studies show many deaths are caused by driver error due to inexperience behind the wheel, but Erie Insurance, based in Erie, Pa., recommends parents should set five ground rules for teen drivers:

-- Insist on seat belts. A recent Erie Insurance survey of nearly 1,400 teen drivers revealed 94 percent report wearing seat belts on a regular basis, but parents should insist any passengers buckle up, too.

-- Limit teen passengers because studies show auto accident risk increases with the number of passengers.

-- Restrict cell phones, text messages, mp3 players, food, loud music and friends, which are all distractions to drivers and increase vehicle accidents.

-- Whether running late for school or rushing home afterward, teens have a tendency to step on the pedal, and parents should revoke driving privileges if a teen receives a citation.

-- Prohibit impaired driving. Ten percent of teens in a recent Erie Insurance survey admitted having driven at least once while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.