Are PA Teenagers Driving More Safely?

Pennsylvania's recent decrease in driving deaths among 16- and 17-year-olds bucked a nationwide increase of 19 percent, AAA Mid-Atlantic announced Tuesday.

In the first six months of 2012, six Pennsylvania drivers of those ages died in accidents, down from 10 in the first six months of 2011, according to AAA. Throughout the United States, the toll rose from 202 to 240.

Read on for more information from AAA, then tell us in the comments section below whether you've noticed teens driving more safely in the last couple years:

"This is good news for the Keystone state, and we hope the recent strengthening of Pennsylvania teen driving laws will continue the positive trend," said Jenny M. Robinson, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "But parents need to keep playing a role to ensure their teens drive safely. Also, an improving economy could see more teen miles being driven and a corresponding rise in accidents."

In 2011, there were 1,286 highway fatalities in Pennsylvania.  More breakdowns are published in PennDOT’s 2011 Crash Facts Book.

Teen drivers and seniors (AAA.com/SeniorDriving) are groups of special concern. The latest crash data for Pennsylvania shows an increase in fatalities involving a 16-year old driver—a jump to 29 fatalities in 2011, compared to 19 for 2010. And about 4.5% of those 17-21 got in a crash last year in the state. Teens and their parents can find valuable free information and resources at AAA.com/TeenDriving.