100 Deadliest Days For Teen Drivers Prove Summer Break From School Is Not A Break From Road Safety

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy Offers Advice That Can Help Make a Difference

LOS ANGELES--June 12, 2012: With the longer days of summer fun also comes the darkest statistics for teen drivers -- the summer months are the most deadly time of year for young drivers and passengers. According to a 2010 AAA analysis of crash data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seven of the top ten deadliest driving days of the year occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day including June 10 ^th, July 4 ^th, July 9 ^th, August 8 ^th, and August 14 ^th . During the months of June, July and August, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, the CA-state DMV-certified teen driving school based in Los Angeles, urges parents and teens to increase their focus on driving safety during this dangerous time.

"Parents should never underestimate the critical role they need to play in preparing their teens to be safe whether they're behind the wheel or in the passenger seat," said Carolyn Duchene, director of Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. "With summer time being the most dangerous period for teens on the road, parents must be more vigilant about their commitment to enforcing rules, road strategy and safety, as well as setting the right example for their new teen drivers."

According to the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Recording System, nearly twice as many automotive deaths occur during summer months than the rest of the year combined. Proper driver education and applied on-road knowledge, increased decision making skills, parental involvement and adherence to Graduated Driver Licensing laws are vital to helping teens stay safe on the road. Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy tackles the upcoming summer statistics head on with new Safe Driving Tips and Practices that are designed to help parents keep their teen drivers safe.

Parental guidelines and best practices for teen road safety:

• Parents should commit to at least 50 hours of accompanied driving between Memorial Day and Labor Day. California Graduated Driver Licensing laws require 50 hours of supervised driving during the six months before teens receive a driver's license, but keep in mind -- this is the minimum -- aim for more!
• Before handing over the keys, parents should have a discussion to reinforce route pre-planning, road rules and expectations.
• Establish a parent-teen driving agreement. Many parents and teens find that creating a written agreement with specific guidelines helps to set clear expectations, such as a passenger limit, which limits the number of people allowed in the vehicle, or no passengers at all if driving with a provisional license.
• Reiterate the full range of distractions that a teen may encounter -- from the more obvious talking on the phone and texting to loud music, friends talking, channel surfing, direction anxiety and even handling of food or drinks.
• Most importantly, set the best example for teens with your own driving. Demonstrate respect for road rules, eliminate distractions and exercise proper decision-making at all times.

About Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy
Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, opened in Los Angeles in November 2011, is the first international teen driving school. Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive manufacturer to operate a state-certified driver education school in the United States.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy features a customized curriculum involving a highly interactive, participatory system of key tactical on-line and classroom components in conjunction with on-road training. The school's highly effective coaching-method and unique offerings, including a closed course distracted driving range, aims to improve better decision-making behind the wheel and develop safer drivers for life. More information on Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy can be found at www.mbdrivingacademy.com.