Watch CBS News

Fatal Crashes Involving Teen Drivers Spike

SAN JOSE (KPIX 5) -- Last year saw a ten percent spike in the number of fatal teen car crashes across the U.S.

Out of the 14,000 accidents, 4,200 involved speeding.

"Distractions, speeding, driving under the influence, those are the top three," San Jose Police Sgt. Enrique Garcia said.

Garcia says he sees a combination of factors affecting teen drivers, and says parents should talk to their teens about what to do if they don't feel safe getting in a car.

"They don't want to be the person that says no, I'm not going to go with you, and to please your friend, you allow yourself to get into a situation that can cost your life," Garcia said.

A teenage driver was lucky to leave with his life after crashing into a power pole late Wednesday night in San Jose.

In the North Bay, three teens weren't so lucky - they were killed in a single car crash in Marin County.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.