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RENO

Triple-A warns of increased fatalities in upcoming months

April 27, 2006, 06:02 PM EDT

AAA is warning Reno teens and parents about the upcoming spring and summer

months, a time when the number of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes

increases.

Teen drivers say their spring and summer months are packed with high school

events like prom, senior parties, road trips and graduation celebrations.

These are the same events that AAA says can lead to deadly accidents.

Statistics show a 16 year old is four times more likely to be in a fatal car

accident than drivers who are 21 years or older. Experts say this is because

teen drivers tend to be distracted by loud music, cell phones, and friends

in the car.

Another factor is alcohol. Studies show there are more cases of underage

drinking in the spring and summer months.

Fatalities involving teen drivers went up 60 percent from 1999 to 2003.