Young drivers receive most speeding citations - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

WARREN, Ohio – Out of all age groups, young drivers received the most speeding citations in 2011.

In 2011 the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that 30 percent of all fatal crashes were caused by speed-related factors; killing 479 people.

"Whether it be cell phone usage, radios, passengers, just not paying attention to the road the way they need to be are definitely causes and factors for them to be involved in crashes," said Lt. Brian Holt, Warren Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Drivers ages 16 to 25 not only racked up close to 290,000 speeding tickets, they also accounted for 37 percent of the speed-related traffic crashes in 2011.

Lieutenant Holt says the bulk of younger driver crashes in Trumbull County often occurs on State Routes 5, 82 and on main roads.

Both Holt and insurance agencies agree that communicating with younger drivers about using caution while they commute is the key to preventing a traffic stop or accident.

State Farm Insurance ensures the conversation between drivers and their parents takes place by offering a program called "Steer Clear".

Young drivers and their parents are asked to log basic tasks while driving and watch a video.

A 10-percent discount is applied to the insurance rate after the young driver and a parent complete the program.

State Farm Insurance Agent Jim Leugers also reminds parents that their actions while driving speak louder than words.

"You want to be a good example to your kids. So you don't want to be on your phone texting, or talking, or distracted, or eating in the car," Leugers said. "You want to be focusing on your driving."

And once they're taught the right way to get to their desired destination, Lieutenant Holt says keep the standards high.

"Take a zero-tolerance approach, be stern about it," Holt said.