Dramatic Increase In Teen Driver Deaths Sparks Outreach Efforts During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, a DMV-certified driving school, kicks off National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April with distracted driving demonstrations and programs focused on parent involvement in teen driver education and training.

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Last month, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) issued a report that showed nationwide the number of 16- and 17-year-old driver deaths increased by 19 percent for the first six months of 2012. As part of the report, the GHSA recommended parent involvement in teen driver education programs as a way to curb car crashes and fatalities among teens.

"Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy involves parents throughout our Integrated Driving Program because they play an instrumental role in the development of their teens' safe driving habits," said Carolyn Duchene, director of Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. "Parents must remember that their driving behaviors are being witnessed and replicated by their teen drivers. So, it's important that parents not only remind their teens about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving, but they must also be good role models behind-the-wheel."

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is offering distracted driving demonstrations to teens as part of California Teen Safe Driving Week, which kicks off National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The demonstration will take place on April 2nd at 8:00 a.m. at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, CA.

The demonstration allows students to drive on a closed course, first without distractions, and then again with the introduction of distractions – ranging from noisy passengers to cell phone usage to performing simple tasks within the vehicle.  The demonstration provides a firsthand experience with the physical and emotional effects of driving distracted.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is also encouraging teens and parents to pledge not to drive distracted and to share the pledge on social media channels, including its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MBDrivingAcademyUSA.

Throughout April, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is offering free Parent Teen Workshops at their facility located at 8231 West 3rd Street in Los Angeles.  During the workshops, certified Driving Coaches provide valuable information on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, teen driving statistics, and strategies for safe driving.  Plus, during the month of April the Academy is offering additional distracted driving workshops and additional activities in the Los Angeles area.

For more details interested teens and parents should contact the Academy directly at 855-MBDA-USA or 855-623-2872.

About Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy
Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy opened in Los Angeles in November 2011 and is the first international teen driving school.  Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive manufacturer to operate a state-certified driver education program 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 demonstration, 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.mb-drivingacademy.com and www.facebook.com/MBDrivingAcademyUSA.

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG GT supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA