Car crashes are the leading cause of death for kids 15-18 years old in the United States, ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week and parents are reminded to regularly have conversations with their teens about rules to stay safe behind the wheel. Conversations should address seat belt use, distracted driving, passengers, speeding, drowsy driving, and alcohol. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, in 2015, nearly one in five teen drivers in a fatal crash had been drinking alcohol. Data from 2015 also shows that 29% of teen drivers in fatal wrecks were speeding at the time of the crash, and 10% were distracted at the time of the crash. The department advises, “Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest ways for teens to stay safe in a vehicle.”