New study lists Missouri at #8 for most dangerous state for teen drivers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – In 2022 alone, data from the National Transportation Safety Administration shows nearly 3,000 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers.

“I should be having intentional conversations with my children about things like drinking and driving,” said the founder of Better Life in Recovery, David Stoecker.

As a very young teen growing up, David Stocker found alcohol as his peace.

“If I started to lose hope, then I want to numb or escape from that, and what I find is something like alcohol,” said Stoecker.

Using alcohol as medication at such a young age, Stoecker now uses his own experiences to stress the importance of staying sober behind the wheel.

”I died three times in an ambulance after a car accident I had down in Branson intoxicated behind the wheel,” he said.

On a night out partying with friends, David and his group decide to continue the party at another venue. However, while driving under the influence, Stoecker runs off the highway near Branson.

”You have a decision to make once you pass your driving test,” said Sgt. Mike McClure, with Missouri State Highway Patrol.

A study by an Ohio law firm using data from the Census Bureau and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows young drivers caused nearly 15%of all deadly crashes in Missouri.

”When you add into that distractions, whether it be phone usage, eating, impairment, those things, your chances of survival and or chances of being in a crash increase exponentially,” said McClure.

However, the crash wasn’t Stoecker’s final straw, and he believes it’s the same for many others, especially teens.

“I can remember my dad there in the room after I came out of a coma, talking to me and saying, well, what did you learn? And I looked at him and said I learned nothing can kill me. And I think this happens a lot. Kids are indestructible,” said Stoecker.

He says it starts by having a safe space. He believes having a conversation with his kids could prevent them from making the wrong turn.

”The longer he can wait before he starts drinking, the better off he’s going to be. But if he does drink, he can always give me a call, and he’s not going to be in trouble,” expressed Stoecker.

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