An estimated 35 percent of teen casualties are due to vehicular driving accidents, making it the leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Through their participation in a high school program called Project Ignition, thousands of young people have worked to change the driving behaviors of their peers.

Here are some tips from students in Project Ignition:

• Ask your teen about what it’s like being in the car with other teens and what distractions there are to handle.

• Role-play with your teen so that he can become comfortable saying things like, “We both want to live, so let me answer your phone or text while you drive.”

• Help your teen get involved with programs at school like Project Ignition.

• Set family ground rules for texting and calling while driving. Your teen needs to know what the consequences will be if the rules aren’t followed.

• Model the behavior you want your teen to exhibit.

Additional information can be found atsfprojectignition.com.