Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 2, 2009. For high school students, homecoming is one of the most anticipated events of the new school year. While it is undoubtedly a memorable event for high school teens, it can also be a very dangerous time for young drivers, as car crashes are the leading cause of death for children and teens.

“It can be easy for teens to get wrapped up in the excitement of their school’s homecoming festivities and make a dangerous traffic safety decision,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman “That is why it’s essential for parents to be involved and prepare their teens before they get behind the wheel.”

According to the 2008 Arizona Crash Facts Summary, published by the Motor Vehicle Division, 3,531 Arizona teen drivers, ages 15-19, were killed or injured in car crashes last year.

AAA Arizona recommends that parents talk to their teens about the following before handing over the keys during this homecoming season:

• Distractions. Limit the number of passengers allowed to ride in your teenager’s vehicle to no more than one in order to reduce the risk of your teen being distracted while driving. Also, discuss the dangers of other distractions with your teen, such as texting, cell phones and music, among others.

• Drugs and Alcohol. Make an agreement with your teen that they will not drive or ride with anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even if you’ve already explained the dangers of driving under the influence, emphasize that these dangers are particularly high on celebratory nights such as homecoming.

• Buckle Up. Make sure your teen wears their seatbelt and knows the importance of buckling up every single time they get into a car, even if they are just driving or riding a short distance.

• Other Drivers. If your teen is riding with someone else, make sure you know who they will be riding with. If their plans change and they end up riding with someone else, make sure they let you know so you know who they are with at all times.

• Be There. Make sure your teen knows that if they need help, advice or a ride, they can call you at any time. Extend this offer often so they’re reminded that it is always available to them, and let them know that they will not be judged or in trouble should they need your help.

In addition, parents should consider implementing a “Parent-Teen” contract. This type of contract is a helpful way to open the lines of communication as it can clearly spell out driving privileges, responsibilities and consequences. It can also be used to ward off peer pressure. A sample contract can be found by visiting www.aaaaz.com/news/parentsandteens.htm.

Furthermore, parents of pre-licensed drivers can attend AAA Arizona’s widely successful Dare to Prepare workshop with their teen. The workshop provides parents with critical information they will need to know before letting their teens take the wheel, and will walk teens through the necessary steps to obtain a permit and a driver’s license in the state of Arizona. Additionally, it will provide guidance and useful tools to help your teen go through the learning-to-drive process. To register, please call 602.6241.2945.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.