We may have to rewrite out stereotypes about teenagers being lousy drivers, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board reports that fatal accidents blamed on teens behind the wheel are down sharply in the last decade, and teenagers are becoming statistically safer drivers than many of their elders.
"In 2005, 622 deaths were reported behind the wheel," Chris Pilcic of State Farm in Texas tells News Radio 1200 WOAI. "Fast forward 10 years its 451. That's a 27% drop."
Several factors are cited for the drop in deadly accidents blamed on teenagers. Among them, the move to 'graduated' drivers licenses, laws that don't allow 16 and 17 year olds to drive with passengers in the car, and more intense driver's ed.
Pilcic also says there is more parental involvement with young people driving these days, due largely to concerns about the new distractions behind the wheel. Every high school these days, has a course or a special event to deal with distracted driving.
And vehicles themselves are simply safer to drive today than they have been. New technology, like rear facing cameras, auto assist braking, and blind spot warning lights have made the entire driving process safer.
Picic says it's an amazing development, to see teen drivers statistically safer.
"One death is too many behind the wheel, but to see 43% in decreases across the country is a major event," he said. "And we are down more than 25% here in Texas. We have seen reductions of thousands of deaths."