Each year, thousands of individuals across the United States are involved in motor vehicle accidents caused by inattentive or distracted driving. Many of those injured or killed in car accidents stemming from distracted driving are teenagers. In an effort to educate teens on safe driving practices, Ohio officials recently announced a new driver safety program called "You Are In Control".

The program was created in partnership between the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the Ohio Highway Patrol. Last year, 161 teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 lost their lives in fatal motor vehicle accidents on Ohio roads. Many of these accidents could have been prevented.

Teen drivers are more likely to engage in several dangerous driving behaviors including speeding, texting while driving and inattentive driving. Ohio officials sponsoring the "You Are In Control" program are hopeful that their efforts will help raise awareness amongst teens of the dangers associated with these behaviors.

High schools that participate in the program will aim to educate teen drivers on various safety concerns and responsibilities associated with driving. Through education and knowledge, program officials are hopeful they will be able to positively influence and change attitudes and behaviors related to speeding and texting while driving.

Teens involved in car accidents often suffer serious injuries that can greatly impact the rest of their lives. Broken bones, head and brain injuries and permanent scarring and disfigurement are all very real injuries sustained by teen drivers who fail to follow safe driving practices.

Source: Chillicothe Gazette, "Highway Patrol unveils teen driver safety program," Aug. 27, 2012