(RALEIGH) -- Triple A Carolinas says there's reason for concern over newly released numbers about teen driving deaths in North Carolina. For the first six months of 2011, our state had the second highest number of deaths for drivers who were 16 and 17 years old.

Kathy Hein with the motor club said there are some factors driving the increase. "The study shows that one of the primary reasons for this increase is the recovery of the economy that's giving teens and their parents a little more disposable income, a little more time to do some travel and time on the road. So that's definitely a contributing factor," she said.

The figures for the second half of the year have yet to be compiled, but Hein says if the disturbing trend continues, lawmakers may have to look at changing or adjusting the graduated driver's license program.