North Carolina saw the second highest number of teen driver fatalities at 17, falling short to Texas at 26 in the first six months of 2011.STATEWIDE, NC (WECT) – The number of teen driving deaths has increased for the first time in nearly a decade, according to a new report by the Governor's Highway Safety Association.
Overall, the report reveals the number of 16 and 17 year old driver deaths increased 11 percent nationwide. Nearly half of the 50 states saw increased teen fatalities, including North Carolina.
In fact, North Carolina saw the second highest number of teen driver fatalities at 17, falling short to Texas at 26 in the first six months of 2011.
[Read the full report, including state-by-state data]
According to Tracy Hogan, who operates East Coast Driving School, not all teens drink and drive, but most teens do text and drive. Despite laws in several states making it illegal, many teens still believe they can text and drive successfully.
Hogan said her driving school now emphasizes the dangers of texting and driving in addition to drinking and driving.
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