Most people believe that teenage drivers pose a risk to other drivers with whom they share the road. According to information provided by the Governors Highway Safety Association, throughout the nation, the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving teen drivers aged 16 or 17, during the first part of last year, increased.

The increase is by 38 deaths, for a total of 204 from January 2012 to June 2012. This increase is the first to occur in eight years. It is thought that an economy that is improving is contributing to those statistics.

While this news may seem depressing, things look better for teen drivers in the state of Pennsylvania. Despite the overall increase in car accidents leading to the death of 16 and 17-year-olds, throughout the country, the number of deaths in Pennsylvania decreased. More specifically, the number was down by four, to a total of six, from the same period of time in 2011.

So why is the outcome better in Pennsylvania than other states in the nation? Though not confirmed, it is possible that the positive numbers could be due to the way in which the state handles young drivers. Compared to other states its laws regarding drivers in that demographic are much stricter.

There are many reasons teen drivers generally seem prone to being involved in car accidents. One reason is their tendency to engage in risky driving behaviors. These behaviors run the gamut but include distracted driving, texting while driving, talking on one's phone while driving and driving too fast. In other situations, teen drivers may get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Regardless of the age of the individual behind the wheel, most would agree that it is important for all who operate vehicles to focus on that task. Doing so could benefit all on the roads.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Teen crash deaths up in U.S., down in Pennsylvania," Jon Schmitz, Feb. 26, 2013