Officials Urge Safe Driving by Missouri Teens

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is urging teenage motorists and passengers to adopt safe habits on the road.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. Missouri recorded 64 traffic deaths of people 15 to 19 years old last year, with 81 percent of the victims not wearing seat belts.

National Teen Driver Safety Week starts Sunday. Officials say drivers should cut out distractions such as cellphones, follow traffic laws, not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and wear seat belts.