Traffic stats point to drivers under 25

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - More people were killed in car crashes in 2012 than the year before. Now, officials want to remind everyone -- especially young drivers -- to drive the speed limit.

Drivers who were 16 to 25 caused 37 percent of the nearly 125,000 speed-related crashes in 2011. This same group of drivers also received the most speeding citations. In 2011, 30 percent of all fatal crashes were caused by people driving above the speed limit.

Here in the Miami Valley, seven teens were killed in tragic car accidents in October and November of last year.

Three Bellbrook High School Students were killed in a Sugarcreek Township crash in November when a truck veered of Wagner Road and slammed into a tree. A Springboro student was also killed in November when he lost control of his car... and three tens in Greenville were killed in October when their car went off the road.

Troopers say new drivers need to take their time.

"I think it comes down to experience, Trooper Jerod Keyes said. "I think teens, a lot of times there in a rush to get to different places -- like the mall or friends houses or sporting events. Just different things they're involved in, and we just want to encourage those younger drivers to not only watch their speed but to give themselves distance, be paying attention other drivers on the road."
    
Troopers also want to hear from you if you see anyone whose driving seems unsafe. You can call #677 to report any impaired drivers or drug activity.