6,000-plus U.S. teens killed in crashes

DEARBORN, Mich., May 29 (UPI) -- Motor vehicle crashes are the top killer of U.S. teens, claiming more than 6,000 youths ages 15 to 20 each year, a travel service official says.

"Many of these deadly crashes are due to immaturity and inexperience, factors that can be partially addressed by helping teens gain valuable driving experience in a low-risk learning environment," Jack Peet, community safety services manager for AAA Michigan, said in a statement.

Peet said a low-risk learning environment includes:

-- Minimizing distractions such as teen passengers, cell phones, MP3 players or CDs.

-- Driving only during the daytime when crash and fatality rates are lower for teens and drivers of all ages.

-- Providing positive driving role models through parents who exhibit safe driving behaviors such as obeying speed limits, not driving while distracted, refraining from drinking and driving, and being courteous to other drivers.

Research by AAA shows a high number of teens admit to engaging in very risky behavior behind the wheel. Some of these behaviors -- such as driving under the influence -- are problems the safety community has battled for years, others -- text messaging while driving among them -- are new behaviors, Peet said.