SPRINGFIELD, Mass.  (WGGB) — Deadly car accidents with teen drivers across the nation are on the rise.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, deaths among 16 and 17 year-old drivers were up 11% in the first six months of 2011 compared to that same time in 2010.

However, Massachusetts is one of several states that saw no increase.

A separate report by the American Academy of Pediatric shows a large number of teens across the country are driving without any formal drivers education classes.

Massachusetts is also going against that trend.  The Register of Motor Vehicles reports more students earned a Drivers Education Certificate in 2011 compared to 2010.

Paul Santos of Untied Driving School in Springfield says locally teens are taking the driving courses more seriously.

“Their attitude is they are a bit more humble.  I need to do this right, I need to take the lessons and they know that there are a lot of things for the road test,” said Santos.

Massachusetts requires teens under 18 to take 30 hours of courses, 12 hours of driving lessons and 6 hours of driving observation before they are eligible to take the road test.

Santos also points out violating the Junior Operating License regulations have heavy penalties.

“Speeding tickets, they loose their license for 90 days.  It’s gonna cost them over $500 to get that license back and they know.  They are aware of this,” said Santos.

To check out all of Massachusetts’ Junior Operator License regulations click on the RMV link -

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/jol/jol_penalties_chart.htm