Group Studies Teen Driving to Help Prevent Fatalities

By Jami Brinton, Reporter

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Sep 9, 2009 at 4:43 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 9, 2009 at 6:48 PM CST

IOWA CITY - What do you think is the most common killer of teens 14 to 18 years old? In Iowa, it's car crashes.

U of I researchers say so far this year, wrecks are responsible for 39 teenage deaths in the state. Like the one that recently claimed the life of 16 year old Alyssa Benedict of Tiffin. Her funeral service was held Wednesday in Keokuk.

Now, a new statewide research effort is investigating the cause of teenage crashes. The Go Team wants to prevent teenagers from being involved in deadly car crashes. They hope teens can learn from their often-deadly mistakes.

It's happened all too frequently this year. A car full of teens crashes, someone is killed. That's why a new state-funded project called Go Team is trying to learn from these tragic events- and prevent other fatal accidents.

Dan McGehee says he sees a pattern developing in teenage car crashes. For one, too much texting.

"That's an extra burden for teenage drivers who are still trying to get used to operating a vehicle normally," said Dan McGehee, Go Team.

Also, teens driving with other teens. "Teens don't necessarily look out for one another so there are other things that start occurring," said McGehee.

Teens who don't buckle up. "With rollover crashes, you want to make sure safety belts are on. Ejections are usually always fatal when they occur."

And teens, like those attending Clear Creek Amana High School, who drive up to 40 miles a day as part of their commute. "Because you're on those roads day in and day out it's only a matter of time before you get into a situation that will be hard to get out of."

McGehee, and his Go Team members, hope to use their preliminary findings to teach lawmakers, teachers, parents, and teens how to prevent another teenage tragedy.

The Go Team will investigate teenage car crashes through the end of next year. Regarding deadly accidents this year- so far the team's data suggests teens were at fault 88 percent of the time.

Next Article Vote 2012: Rick Santorum Wins Minnesota, Colorado, Non-Binding Missouri

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.