The "Allstate America's Teen Driving Hotspots" study examines recent
federal crash statistics and Allstate claims data on teen accidents to score
markets nationally on their rate of fatal accidents involving teen drivers.
The study identifies "hotspot" U.S cities where fatal teen driving crashes are
more prevalent based on their local teen populations. The study aims to draw
attention to safe teen driving, especially in markets where teen crash rates
are higher.
Among the 100 largest metro areas in the United States, Grand Rapids,
Mich., ranked #18 in the deadliest hotspots. Metro Detroit ranked #13 in the
nation for the greatest total number of fatal teen crashes (411) from 2000-
2006. The study release kicks off the company's nationwide "Action Against
Distraction" safe teen driving campaign.
"This study shouldn't just concern parents and leaders in the nation's
deadliest hotspots. Car crashes claim the lives of more American teens than
anything else coast to coast," said Thomas F. Clarkson, Allstate vice
president and chief executive of the company's regional headquarters in
Farmington Hills, Mich. "While some cities post better scores than others,
it's time our entire nation acts against this public health crisis, which
claims about 6,000 teen lives every year. Parents should start talking to
their teens -- even before they get behind the wheel -- about smart driving
decisions, while setting a good example through their own good driving
behavior."
The study also found that, nationally, fatal crash rates for teens are
double in rural areas compared to cities and suburbs. Michigan has a rural
crash rate of 37.7 fatal crashes annually per 100,000 teens, 48.6 percent
greater than the state's teen fatal crash rate for metro areas of 25.4.
The greatest disparities in rural over metro crash rates are seen in Utah,
North Dakota and Illinois.
According to the study, speeding and lack of seatbelt use were the leading
causes of teen fatal crashes in Michigan from 2000-2006. In Grand Rapids, 21.1
percent of fatalities were caused by speeding, with 17.7 percent from lack of
seatbelts. For the metro Detroit area, 18.2 percent were not buckled up and
15.3 percent were due to speeding. In addition, two-thirds of crashes in metro
Detroit involved a male driver (67.2 percent), compared to female drivers at
32.8 percent.
The 10 deadliest hotspots among the nation's 50 largest markets are
concentrated in the southern United States and include three in Florida.
According to the study, the metropolitan areas (a central city and its
surrounding counties) that were the greatest hotspots for fatal teen crashes
are:
-- Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
-- Orlando/Kissimmee, Fla.
-- Jacksonville, Fla.
-- Nashville, Tenn.
-- Birmingham, Ala.
-- Phoenix, Ariz.
-- Kansas City, Mo. (and Kan.)
-- Atlanta, Ga.
-- Charlotte, N.C.
-- Louisville, Ky.
The study was conducted by Allstate in conjunction with Sperling's
BestPlaces (www.bestplaces.net), a Portland, Ore., research firm specializing
in demographic studies and analysis. A more detailed breakdown of the study
results - including other market and state comparisons -- can be found at
http://media.allstate.com/.
Today's release of the study findings by Allstate Insurance Company kicks
off the company's new national "Action Against Distraction" public awareness
and policy campaign, which also calls for a national federal standard for
graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws and urges Congress to enact the Safe
Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act.
In addition, throughout May and June -- months leading up to some of the
deadliest driving days for teens -- Allstate will be conducting teen
distracted driving training courses aimed at reducing the impact of distracted
driving practices such as texting and talking on the phone while driving.
Teens in over a dozen cities throughout the United States will participate in
the distracted driving training courses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
an average of more than 17 teens a day die on American roads during June, July
and August -- the three months with the highest teen crash rates. Nearly
6,000 teens die in car crashes every year, a statistic that hasn't changed in
more than a decade. While research shows that both parents and teens believe
alcohol is the cause of most crashes involving teen drivers, the primary
causes of most teen crashes -- between 2003 and 2005 -- was driver error (87
percent).
To help teens stay safe through prom, graduation, the summer and beyond,
parents should initiate a conversation about smart driving. This conversation
can include completion of a Parent-Teen Driving Contract, which helps set
guidelines for smart driving and consequences for not living up to those
expectations. Parents and teens can fill out the interactive contract --
setting their own expectations and consequences -- online at
www.allstate.com\teen .
"Parents need to have an honest and open conversation with their teens on
the importance of safe driving and what will and will not be tolerated when
their child is behind the wheel," added Clarkson. "The Parent-Teen Driving
contracts can spur conversations that may help families avoid the tragic
consequences that are too often experienced with fatal teen crashes."
Looking for a great speaker for your school, event or organization? Someone who can really make a difference with teens and parents or bring a powerful message to your audience? Contact Barry Marcone of Driving Sober to Save a Life at barry@drivingsober.net, or call 352-279-4365. Presentations are at no cost to your organization.
