MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A recent rash of hit-and-run and bad crashes involving teenagers sparked conversation about what parents could do to help protect young drivers and others on the road.

Driving School Instructor Shannon Pitner said he works with teenagers everyday and knows just how dangerous reckless young drivers can be.

“Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers,” he said.

He said they also do not always react responsibly when they’re involved in crashes.

Wednesday night, a mother called police after hearing about a hit-and-run involving a teenager on a bike and then noticed her vehicle had  been damaged.

Her daughter later admitted she was the driver, and she fled because she was scared.

“They say that the brain is still developing up to 25 years old,” Pitner said. “So, teenagers don’t always make the wisest decisions under the best conditions.”

Earlier this month, a crossing guard was hit outside Second Presbyterian Church on Poplar when a teenager slammed into him at 80 miles an hour and left the scene.

In both cases, the kids did not have drivers licenses.

“You have to know where your kids are all the time, especially when it comes to cars,” Pitner said.

In Dyer County, one person was airlifted after five teenagers flipped into a ditch.

Pitner said parents have to help young drivers understand how easily they could hurt themselves or someone else.

“Make them realize that it can happen to them. Then, we’ve done our job,” he said.

Pitner recommended parents set curfews for new drivers and make sure their teens know not to text behind the wheel.