Fewer teen crashes in state amid pandemic

But AAA reports a higher rate of deadly wrecks among youth

Thanks to coronavirus stay-at-home orders, there have been fewer teen drivers on the roads this year and fewer crashes. But a higher percentage of the young drivers have been involved in deadly crashes, AAA said Tuesday.

As of Oct. 16, teen drivers were involved in 20 fatal crashes in 2020, according to a AAA analysis of UConn crash data. That’s slightly higher than the average of 19 for the past five years.

Even more troubling is that they are happening at a much higher rate.

Overall, the number of crashes involving teen drivers has dropped steeply, according to the preliminary data. Through mid-October, there were slightly more than 5,700 crashes involving teen drivers, compared to an average of almost 9,500 a year, said Amy Parmenter, spokeswoman for AAA in Greater Hartford.

“Weknowthat, in general, there has been a sharp increase in speeding this year. Add to that the inexperience of teen drivers and it is no surprise that these numbers tell a tragic story,” Parmenter said. For the purposes of the study, “teen drivers” includes 18- and 19-year-olds.

The same trend has been happening with the overall driving population, and it has been happening nationally as well. Last spring, AAA reported that there was less traffic in the state and fewer crashes — but more deadly ones.

On top of being inexperienced, teen drivers this year were likely frustrated with being stuck in the house instead of attending prom or graduation parties.

OnJune 9, when high schools usually host such end-of-year celebrations, two Litchfield High School students died, and three other teens were badly injured, in a fiery wreck. The crash happened in the overnight hours in Torrington when the car slammed into a tree, rolled down an embankment and burst into flames, police said.

Twoof the teens were able to get out of the car and seek help. But Thomas Graveline and Matt Rousseau, both 16, died.

In most cases, though, teen drivers are not the ones whodie in the crashes in which they are involved, according to the AAA.

“It is important to note that more often than not, when a teen driver is involved in a fatal crash, he or she is not usually the victim,” Parmenter said. “This is an issue that impacts everyone on our roadways.”

Noting that it is National Teen Driver Safety Week, AAA has suggestions for parents of teenagers:

Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving.

Teach by example and put down your cellphone. Minimize other distractions and risky behavior when driving.

Establish a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.

Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with your teen.

Parmenter said AAA is offering a free, four-page guide to help parents coach their teen drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Called “Coaching Your New Driver — An In-Car Guide for Parents” AAA ParentCoachingGuide 2020 offers behindthe-wheel lesson plans, including a variety of “DOs and DON’Ts.”