Teen Drivers' Worst Habits Behind the Wheel in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Some teens in Maryland are grabbing their phones behind the wheel, with potentially dangerous consequences. More than one in four teen drivers in Maryland reported texting while driving, according to a survey of the state's teens.

This week, law enforcement and transportation officials are recognizing National Teen Driver Safety Week, with campaigns focused on ingraining good behaviors like regular seat belt use and leaving the phone alone.

Nearly 3,000 teens across the U.S. were involved in deadly crashes last year, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. And wrecks are the leading cause of death for 15- to 19-year-olds in the U.S.

"We know that 94 percent of all car crashes are caused by human choice or error," Foxx said in a statement. "We have to do better, and as parents we should all model, teach and enforce good driving habits for our young drivers."

Survey data released in August by the Centers for Disease Control quizzed Maryland teens on dangerous practices when they get in a car:

• 26.1 percent texted or emailed while driving
• 18.2 percent rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol
• 7.1 percent drove when they had been drinking alcohol

Maryland teens are ranked among the safest young drivers in the country, according to a study in May by CarInsurance.com.

But teen drivers are often the least experienced on the road. The "5 To Drive" campaign, supported by AAA and national and state transportation officials, focuses on key habits to prevent teen wrecks.

A new survey of driving instructors found 65 percent believe parents are worse at preparing their teens to drive compared to a decade ago, according to AAA.

“Involved parents really can help save lives, so it’s important for parents to coach their teens to slow down, as well as to avoid other common mistakes," said Bill Van Tassel, AAA’s manager of driver training.

Here are the 5 rules for the road, along with national data provided by the NHTSA:

1. No Cell Phones: Ten percent of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2014 reported being distracted at the time of the crash.

2. No Extra Passengers: The risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to how many people are in the car.

3. No Speeding: Almost 30 percent of teens involved in fatal crashes in 2014 were speeding.

4. No Alcohol: One out of five teen drivers involved in a fatal crash in 2014 had been drinking.

5. Buckle Up: Nearly 60 percent of the teen passengers killed in crashes in 2014 weren't wearing a seat belt.

So, parents are encouraged to talk about these topics with teens and to set rules — even in writing — that hold young drivers accountable. And parents should keep the conversation going year round, says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide.

"As a parent of a teen, I understand the value of listening and learning what it will take and what we can do to empower teens to make safety a priority every ride, every time," Carr said.

Image via the NHTSA, public domain