AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) -- For many teens, getting behind the wheel means freedom, but it can also come with serious risk. This week, safety experts are urging parents to make sure that freedom doesn’t turn into tragedy.

Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA, said teens are three times as likely as adult drivers to be involved in a fatal crash. Research from Tripoli shows 47% of teens admit to speeding at least 10 miles over the limit, and 35% admit to texting while driving. Carey emphasized the importance of parents discussing these risks with their teens to curb dangerous behavior.

Teen Driver Safety Week runs through Oct. 25, focusing on distracted driving, speeding, and seatbelt use.

Ava O’Callaghan, a teen driver, said her biggest distraction is her phone.

“It’ll buzz

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