In 2015, 21 drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 were killed on Maryland roads, a 75 percent increase from 2014 when Maryland recorded 12 fatalities.
As part of an effort to decrease teen driving deaths, the MVA has released the '5 to Drive' safety recommendations for teens.
- No cell phones. The MVA said if you glance at your phone for just five seconds while driving 55 mph, your car will travel the length of the football field.
- No extra passengers. Driving with just one friend doubles the risk a teen driver will be involved in a deadly crash.
- No speeding. According to the MVA, 40 percent of all young drivers kill in Maryland were speeding.
- No alcohol.
- Always buckle up. Twenty-four percent of young drivers killed in Maryland were not wearing a seatbelt.
Parents are encouraged to know the '5 to Drive' rules.
“We encourage parents to take an active role in discussing safe driving behaviors with their teens. It can save their lives," said MVA Administrator Christine E. Nizer.
For information on Maryland’s Rookie Driver program visit: mva.maryland.gov/rookiedriver.
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