AAA, Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Police team up for "Teen Driving Safety Night" at Comerica Park

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May 23, 2013, 10:00 ET

DEARBORN, Mich., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. That's why AAA, the Detroit Tigers and the Michigan State Police (MSP) joined together today (May 23) to encourage teens to be safe drivers this Memorial Day weekend, the start of the summer driving season.

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The three organizations support a key traffic safety message aimed at all drivers – but especially important for new teen drivers – pay attention while driving and buckle up this holiday weekend and throughout the summer.

AAA projects an estimated 1.1 million state residents will travel this holiday weekend, with 92 percent going by motor vehicle. Many will be new teen drivers. AAA teamed with the Detroit Tigers to bring the teen traffic safety message to Comerica Park. "To help new teen drivers learn more about safety driving, we will have two driving simulators at the ball park during Friday night's game," said AAA Traffic Safety Manager Jack Peet. In addition, the first 5,000 teens entering the ball park will receive free keepsake AAA and Detroit Tigers key rings.

"Teen driver crashes peak in summer months since many teens drive more often and with less supervision than they do during the school year," added Elaine Lewis, Vice President, Community and Public Affairs, Detroit Tigers. "During the summer season, we see many new teen drivers here. We want them – and all of our Tigers fans – to be alert behind the wheel. Drivers must avoid all distractions while driving."

Michigan State Police Second District Commander Captain Monica Yesh noted that last Memorial Day weekend in Michigan, ten people died in nine fatal crashes. "We encourage new teen drivers to obey traffic laws to make this a safe holiday. We encourage parents to play an important role to help keep teen drivers safer. Be a good example, and set limits for teen drivers." Yesh cited Michigan's new law which took effect in March prohibiting new teen drivers from talking on a cell phone. "Avoid all distractions, including the cell phone," she emphasized.

To keep all motorists safer, ongoing law enforcement traffic safety campaigns will again draw attention to driving safety – MSP's "Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) which runs during the three summer holidays, and OHSP's two-week "Click It or Ticket" safety mobilization.

AAA has purchased traffic safety banners and is again proudly partnering with MSP in supporting Operation C.A.R.E. Volunteers during the summer holiday periods will provide coffee and safety literature at many state rest stops.

All of the organizations encourage parents to play a key role in developing their teen driver through regular dialogue, selecting a quality driving school, using a parent-teen driving contract, extensive practice driving and choosing a safe vehicle for their new teen driver.

AAA.com

SOURCE AAA Michigan