Teens are the least experienced drivers on the road, and a new AAA study found their behavior tends to get even more reckless and dangerous if there are other youths in the car with them. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are four times as likely to get in accidents as their older peers.

The study found they are also more likely to speed, drive late at night and engage in other risky behaviors behind the wheel when there are teen passengers in their vehicles. The risk increases when more passengers are present. For example, when a teen drives alone, there is a 30 percent chance they will speed. Those odds jump to 44 percent when two passengers are present, and 48 percent if there are three or more other people in the car.

"Mixing young drivers with teen passengers can have dangerous consequences," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "AAA urges parents to set and consistently enforce family rules that limit newly licensed teens from driving with young passengers."

New Jersey has laws in place to keep teen drivers safe, as licensed drivers under 18 are not allowed to travel with more than one non-family member at a given time. However, teens are not always known for their ability to follow the rules, so it is up to parents to ensure their kids are observing safe driving practices and obeying the laws.

Parents can also help their kids find a safe and reliable vehicle at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The local dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so they can rest easy knowing their child is behind the wheel of a trustworthy ride.