The leading cause of death for 14 to 18 year-olds in Iowa and across the United States is motor vehicle crashes. According to the Department of Public Safety, in 2013, 2,614 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes and approximately 130,000 were injured. Of the fatal crashes involving drivers 15 to 19 years old in 2012, nearly one in five, or 20 percent were distracted by their phones.

A recent survey shows only a quarter of parents have had serious talks with their children about key components of driving. This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Parents, teachers and mentors are encouraged to set positive examples while driving – including buckling up, driving the speed limit, not driving distracted, and not drinking and driving.