TECH BYTE: Tech to Keep Teen Drivers Safe

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — We’re now in the 100 Deadliest Days – a dangerous time for teen drivers.

School’s out, and that means more freedom for teenagers, and more time behind the wheel.

AAA says more than 30 percent of deaths involving these young drivers happen during the 100 Deadliest Days.

That’s from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Auto Club Group says traffic crashes are even the leading cause of death for teens 16 to 19.

So how can parents keep their kids safe while behind the wheel?

A lot of it is common sense.

AAA recommends leading by example – don’t drive aggressively or distracted with your kids in the car. (Even when they’re not.)

Also make sure your teen gets at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving before they go out on their own.

Another resource is an online driving course.

AAA offers a 25-hour one that your teen can take at their own pace.

It includes a research-based curriculum, along with videos, simulations, and interactive exercises, so it’s more hands-on.

There’s even an optional virtual parent session so parents can get educated on the learning to drive process.

If you’d rather your teen take a driving class in-person, AAA also has a driving school network worth checking out with training resources in your community.

If you want to keep an eye on your teen once they’re driving on their own, download the Life360 app.

It can tell you how fast your teen is driving, where they’ve been, and if they’ve been in a crash.