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Pennsylannia Sees Spike In Deadly Crashes

By Pat Toddy

PHILADELPHIA(CBS) -- With young children boarding school buses, and college upper classmen driving off to campus, AAA Mid-Atlantic is putting out safety tips, and this year they're desperately needed.

More people have been killed on Pennsylvania roads this year, compared to last year, which saw record-low fatalities.

"Pennsylvania's rate is slightly lower than the national average," says AAA Mid-Atlantic's Jim Lardear, "but we're still anticipating that this could be one of the biggest years for fatalities in Pennsylvania."

Deadly crashes have climbed seven percent since 2014, Lardear points out. He's worried about the increase of distracted driving.

Many young people are practically tethered to their smartphones, and are tempted to stay plugged in-- in the driver's seat.

"The use of smartphones, the use of technology, our comfort with them, and our willingness to use them when we're behind the wheel and trying to drive."

All factors leading to crashes, along with drowsy driving. Parents of young drivers are urged to warn them about that danger.

College kids might think they can pull off driving, after pulling off an all-nighter studying. Lardear says being overconfident and complacent can lead to deadly mistakes.

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