In a study analyzed by NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer, compared to when driving alone. According to the same study analyzed by NHTSA, the likelihood of teen drivers engaging in or more risky behaviors when traveling with multiple passengers increased to three times compared to when driving alone. In fact, research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car.

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Teen Tips:

• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure everyone, in every seat in the vehicle is buckled.

• Watch the road. All drivers benefit when everyone pays attention.

• Know the number of passengers permitted in the vehicle. If they can't buckle, they can't ride.

• Put the phone down.

• Do not add stress. Stay calm and be supportive.

• Keep the music down. Do not act wild.

• Speak up. Your safety is a priority.

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Links:

• https://www.aceable.com/blog/how-to-be-a-safe-passenger-in-the-car/

• https://www.teendriversource.org/teen-crash-risks-prevention/distracted-driving/peer-passengers

• https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving