Each day, an average of eight teenagers will lose their lives car accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens--claiming about 3,000 young lives each year. Most are caused by driver inexperience.

"All beginner drivers, even straight-A students and 'good kids', are likelier than experienced drivers to be involved in a fatal crash—it's a fact," said Dr. Grant Baldwin, director of the Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention within CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

To help prevent these deadly crashes, the CDC has launched a nationwide campaign to help parents play a key role in keeping their teens safe on the road.

Through the "Parents Are the Key" campaign, the CDC offers tools and proven steps for reducing teen driving injuries and deaths.

"These injuries and deaths can be prevented. We're encouraging parents to talk with their teen about the most dangerous driving situations and how to avoid them," said Dr. Baldwin. "Remind your teen that driving is a privilege and that your rules of the road need to be followed."

Here are four ways you can get involved today:

1. Practice makes Safer: Get involved by practicing with your teen as often as possible. The more practice they have behind the wheel, the safer they will drive.

2. Real Talk: Believe it or not, your children listen to you. Have a discussion about the rules of the road. Be familiar with the laws in your state. Set boundaries or prohibit driving during times when crashes are likely to occur, such as at night or when there are other teens in the car. Discuss the reasons for your rules, the importance of following them and the consequences of breaking them.

(Click here for sample parent-teen driving agreement.)

3. Practice what you Preach: Not only are your children listening, they are also watching;  lead by example. Begin immediately. Don’t wait until they are old enough to start driving. Remember, if you talk on the phone, text, speed, or drive without your seatbelt, so might your teen.

4. Sharing is Caring: Other parents need this information. Share your rules of the road with parents of other teens. Tell the parents of your teen’s friends about “Parents Are the Key,” because working together can help save lives. You can also show your support by spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here for more information and facts about teen driving.

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