Most teenagers behind the wheel don’t recognize hazardous driving conditions, which is why they’re the age group most prone to traffic accidents. Before you hand over your car keys to your teen, it’s crucial to know the facts.
Below are some shocking statistics concerning teenage drivers.
Teen Driver Statistics
The risk of crashing is higher among teens aged 16-19 compared to any other age group. Drivers in this age bracket are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 or older to be in a deadly collision. The following groups are at higher risk for motor vehicle crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Teen boys: In 2017, the death rate for male drivers aged 16-19 was three times higher than the death rate for female drivers of a similar age.
- Newly licensed teens: Collision risk is high during the first few months of obtaining a license. The crash rate per mile driven is 1.5 times higher for 16-year-olds than it is for 19-year-olds.
Learn more about the risks associated with teenage traffic accidents.
Risk Factors
The following are common factors that put teenagers at risk of crashing:
Inexperience: Teens are more likely to underestimate dangers compared to seasoned drivers. Moreover, they’re more likely to think they’re invincible, leading to reckless driving.
Lack of seat belt use: Compared with other age groups, young adults have the lowest seat belt use rates. Only 59 percent of high school students wear seat belts when riding with passengers, according to the CDC.
Speeding: Teens are more likely to drive over the speed limit and allow shorter headways, which is the distance from the front of a car to the front of the next.
Alcohol use: According to a national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17 percent of high school students admitted to riding with an intoxicated driver within the past month. Among students with a license, six percent admitted to drinking alcohol while driving within the month before the survey.
Although drinking alcohol below age 21 is illegal, 15 percent of drivers aged 16-20 involved in fatal collisions had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher in the past year. Moreover, 58 percent of drivers aged 15-20 who died in crashes after drinking and driving were not wearing a seat belt.
How Can I Keep My Teen Safe?
As a parent, you have every right to feel worried about your teen taking on the road; however, you should also be able to trust them. We recommend you do the following:
- Remind your teen about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Tell them it’s both illegal and deadly to drink behind the wheel. Since they’re under the legal age, their BAC should always be at .00, not just under .08.
- Practice safe driving and be an ideal role model for your child. Your son or daughter looks up to you, so it’s essential to always be on your best behavior.
- Don’t solely rely on a driver’s education class to teach your teen to drive. Set aside time to take them on practice driving sessions.
Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks is Here for You
Motor vehicle accidents are never a fun experience, and they can be more disheartening when they involve your children. If your teen was involved in a crash, there’s a possibility it wasn’t their fault. An experienced personal injury attorney from Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks may be able to prove your child wasn’t negligent, and they may receive compensation. We have offices in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Schedule your free case evaluation today.