AAA: Teen drivers more likely to die when other teens are in th - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

AAA: Teen drivers more likely to die when other teens are in the car

Posted: Updated:
(AP) -

A new warning for parents of young drivers: Teens are far more likely to die behind the wheel when they have other teens in the car.

That's the finding of a new study released today by AAA.

The report found a 16 or 17-year old driver was 44% more likely to die in a crash, per mile driven, with one passenger under 21-years old.

That's compared to driving alone.

The risk of a fatal wreck doubled with two more passengers under 21, and no older adults present.

When an adult is in the passenger seat, things change.

Researchers say having at least one person 35 or older in the car cut a teen driver's risk of death by more than 60%.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.