AAA Encourages Awareness and Education as Part of Teen Driver Safety Week
Indianapolis, IN - Oct. 16, 2017 - Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for teens in the United States and National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 15-21) is the perfect time to remind students and parents alike that awareness and education are vital to keeping new drivers, their passengers and other motorists safe while navigating America's roadways.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2016 alone, more than 3,500 people lost their lives in car crashes involving a teen driver. In Indiana, 31 drivers that were ages 15 to 19 years old were killed in 2016 while 20 passengers in vehicles driven by motorists in that same age classification died. In addition, 22 occupants of other vehicles were killed that same year in accidents that involved a driver from 15 to 19 years old.
National statistics indicate the greatest dangers for teen drivers include alcohol, not wearing a seat belt, speeding, distraction and drowsy driving.
"It's extremely important that parents consistently set a good example for their children," said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club. "Always wear a seatbelt, no matter where you're sitting in an automobile and don't try to eat or drink while you're driving. In addition, put the cell phone away. Texting is obviously extremely dangerous but even talking on the phone is an unnecessary distraction.
"Young drivers and even those who will be driving soon are always watching. Like it or not, they will tend to mimic your behind-the-wheel practices."
In recognition of the importance of pre-licensing driver education, AAA Hoosier Motor Club launched its own Approved Driving School Network (ADSN) in 2005, approving and affiliating with only the best commercial driving schools within the Club's 50-county Indiana territory. Today's list of AAA ADSN schools includes...
Red Hot Scott's American Driving Academy LLC
Kokomo, Logansport, Peru
Office: 765-453-5665
Email: mydrivingacademy@att.net
Website: mydrivingacademy.net
Safety Zone
Monticello: 574-583-9663
Email: itcanne@yahoo.com
Website: safetyzonedrivingacademy.com
Coach's Driver Education
Avon: 317-272-9233
Indpls. NW (Zionsville Rd. & 71st St.): 317-405-8550
Email: coachdrivered@indy.rr.com
Website: coachdrivered.com
Drive Masters
Greenwood: 317-886-7801
Email: drivemasters@comcast.net
Website: drive-masters.org
Old National Road Driving Institute
Greenfield: 317-318-9215
Email: oldnationalroaddriving@gmail.com
Website: onrdriving.com
AA Indiana Driving School, Inc.
Attica High School: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
Carmel: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
Columbus: 812-376-8814 or 888-760-5933
Greensburg Learning Center: 812-376-8814 or 888-760-5933
Morristown High School: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
Mt. Vernon High School: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
New Palestine High School: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
Tipton 4-H Fairgrounds: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
Waldron High School: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
Warren C. Learning Center: 317-844-5542 or 888-922-4639
Email: indianadriving@aol.com
Website: indianadriving.com
Sammers Driving School
Brazil: 812-238-1415
Clinton: 812-238-1415
Terre Haute: 812-238-1415
Email: sammers@nwcable.net
Website: sammersdrivingschool.net
Whether beginning drivers elect to participate in a classroom-based educational program or utilize AAA's How to Drive online program--approved by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles as an alternative to attending 30 hours of actual classroom instruction--those seeking professional driver education prior to receiving an actual drivers' license must also obtain six hours of behind-the-wheel training and AAA's ADSN schools are strongly encouraged for that type of required instruction.
"Many students and their parents elect to sign up for AAA's How to Drive online program through our Club's ADSN schools so that it's easier for them to schedule the in-car driving sessions when the appropriate time comes," Seiter said.
"These schools are AAA approved and endorsed and they will work with parents and their teenage drivers to ensure safety-related awareness and education."
AAA