ERIE, Pa., Oct. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- An Erie Insurance
analysis of teen driving data finds the number of teens killed in
car crashes has dropped dramatically over the past several years.
ERIE reviewed data from the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on the number of teens who
died in crashes when a teen was driving. The data showed that 4,216
teens died in such crashes in 2007 compared with 2,142 who died in
2013, the most recent year for which data is available. The total
number of fatalities includes both teen drivers and passengers.
Despite the drop, driving remains a dangerous activity for
teens, with the teen driving death rate 15 percent higher than
adults. Accidents remain the leading cause of death among teens.
This interactive infographic shows the rates – from least to most
dangerous – for each state.
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
concludes that graduated driver licensing laws, which phase in
driving privileges over time as teens gain more experience, is one
reason for the improved safety record, and that stronger GDL laws
would lead to even more improvements.
To help encourage safe driving among teens, Erie Insurance is
holding its fourth annual social media contest "Shift" which
rewards teens for pledging to drive safely and encouraging their
peers to do the same. More than $20,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to
teens and their schools for spreading the safe driving message.
Here's how the contest works:
- Teens log on to www.jointheshift.org to learn safe driving
habits aimed at keeping them and their friends safe behind the
wheel.
- They earn points through activities such as signing a pledge to
be a safe driver, creating safe-driver videos, and posting Shift
safe driving messages on Facebook® and Twitter®.
- The teens and schools with the most points are awarded
prizes.
- The contest ends Friday, Nov. 13,
2015.
Complete contents rules can be found at jointheshift.org.
About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in
Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 11th
largest homeowners insurer and 12th largest automobile insurer in
the United States based on direct
premiums written and the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in
the United States based on total
lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M.
Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and
operates in 12 states and the District of
Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company, a
Barron's 500 company and has been recognized by Forbes as one of
America's 50 Most Trustworthy Financial Companies.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group
are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance