Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) and the Blue Ridge Regional Crash Investigation Team recently warned drivers that teen traffic deaths are higher this year than they were in 2011, with preliminary statistics indicating 11 drivers aged 16-20 died from the beginning of the year to January 24, compared to just 3 the year before.

"The increase in teen fatalities is significant and we want to take a proactive approach to getting the word out to teens, their parents, and the school systems," said YOVASO program administrator Mary King. "We need everyone working together to educate our teens so that this trend doesn't continue throughout the year."

King noted that the state has seen declining teen fatalities every year since 2007 up to this point, with a record low of 83 deaths in 2010 and preliminary data indicating only 81 in 2011. She stated the increase is particularly disheartening in the context of recent improvements.

Behaviors such as driving without a seatbelt on and speeding are among the factors causing or contributing to many of the fatalities. The two organizations recommend that parents, schools and community organizations remind teens of the dangers such behaviors pose. Even teens who are uninjured may experience vehicle damage and be forced to pay repair costs and higher auto insurance rates.