AAA to Provide Safe Driving Advice to Teens Across New York State
LATHAM, NY – AAA and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association have announced a multi-year partnership naming AAA as the “Official Safe Driving Partner of the NYSPHSAA.”
New and experienced drivers will benefit from the partnership as AAA will provide safe driving tips to the NYSPHSAA membership.
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 16-19. In fact, six teens are killed each day in crashes that are entirely preventable. Per miles driven, teen drivers are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be killed in a crash. Even the best and brightest teens have increased risk of being involved in a deadly crash.
“Keeping our student-athletes safe on the road is something we should all strive to do,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “Welcoming AAA as the official safe driving partner of the NYSPHSAA is a great way for students across the state to get safe driving tips and keep our teen drivers focused and informed when they get behind the wheel.”
According to the latest AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, 47 percent of teen drivers, aged 16-18, admitted to speeding on residential streets while 35 percent admit to texting while driving and 32 percent have run red lights.
“AAA New York State is proud to support interscholastic athletics throughout New York as the Official Safe Driving Partner of NYSPHSAA. AAA has a rich history of promoting safe driving habits and looks forward to the opportunity to provide safety information to New York’s student athletes,” said John Corlett, Director of Public Affairs for AAA New York State.
AAA is committed to providing parents and teens with tools, information, and other resources to help teens become safe drivers. Teens lack the experience, skills, and maturity of a seasoned driver, which increases the chance of a deadly outcome, not just for the teen driver, but also for any passenger as well as others on the road. “We all have a vested interest in ensuring that the teens in our lives are safe when behind the wheel,” Corlett added.
Through the partnership, AAA will also have a presence at State Championship events.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) provides services to its members, including roadside assistance, member-exclusive discounts, and travel planning assistance. Please visit AAA.com/YouthSports for more information.
