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The statistics -

In 2020, about 2,800 teens in the US, ages 13 to 19, were killed in motor vehicle crashes. About 227,000 were injured.

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Putting it in perspective -

That means that every day, about eight teens died due to motor vehicle crashes, and hundreds more were injured.

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Three times as likely to be fatal -

Teens aged 16 to 19 have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers aged 20 and older. And some of them are especially high risk.

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Male teens -

In 2020, the motor vehicle crash death rate for male drivers, ages 16 to 19 years, was three times as high as for female drivers in the same age group.

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Newly licensed teens -

Crash risk is particularly high during the first months of licensure. This is due to immaturity and lack of experience.

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Teens driving with teens or young adult passengers -

The presence of teenage or young adult passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This also puts more young people at risk for a fatal crash.

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What factors can put teens at risk? -

There are several factors that can put teens at risk when it comes to car accidents. Inexperience is one of them.

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Inexperience -

When it comes to dangerous situations, teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate and not recognize them.

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Critical errors -

Teens are also more likely than adults to make critical errors, which can lead to serious crashes.

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Nighttime driving -

Nighttime driving is riskier than daytime driving for all drivers. But for teen drivers, it's particularly dangerous.

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The numbers -

In 2020, 44% of motor vehicle crash deaths among teens, ages 13–19, occurred between 9 pm and 6 am.

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Weekend crashes -

Some 52% of teenage car accidents occurred on either a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in 2020.

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Not using seatbelts -

Teens and young adults often don't consistently wear a seat belt. In 2020, 56% of teens killed in car crashes weren't wearing a seat belt.

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Distracted driving -

Distractions, such as texting and talking on the phone, negatively impact driving. This can be especially dangerous for young, inexperienced drivers.

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Drowsy driving -

With studying, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and spending time with friends, teens are busier than ever. And they'll compromise on sleep as a result.

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A dangerous habit -

Skipping out on sleep is a dangerous habit that can lead to drowsy driving, which can then result in a crash. Make sure your teen gets a good night’s sleep, and strictly monitor and limit their nighttime driving at the beginning of their license period.

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Speeding -

Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and to allow shorter distances from other vehicles. These risky driving behaviors appear to be worse when male teens are present in the car.

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Drinking alcohol -

In the US in 2020, 29% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking.

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Consuming drugs -

After alcohol, marijuana is the most common drug associated with impaired driving. Marijuana has negative effects on judgment, motor coordination, and reaction time, all of which are important skills when driving.

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Prevention strategies -

As a parent or guardian, there are a couple of things you can do in order to promote safe driving among teens.

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Pick a safe car -

Ideally, your teen should use a car that is easy to drive and would offer protection in the event of a crash. For example, avoid small cars and those known for high performance, which might encourage speed and recklessness.

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Enroll your teen in a safe drivers program -

This type of course outlines the young driver’s responsibilities and the consequences of failure to meet those expectations. It will also make your teen a much safer driver.

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Discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol use -

Advise teens never to drive if they've been drinking or doing drugs, and to also not get in a car if the driver is under the influence. Also, encourage them to contact you if they're ever in this situation.

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Make sure they understand the dangers of distracted and impaired driving -

Talk to your teen about the importance of not driving while distracted. Teens should also be responsible passengers when in their friends' cars.

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Start the conversation early -

Talk to your teen about safe driving early and often, before they reach driving age. Also, speak with the parents of your teen's friends and compare notes.

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Encourage on-road awareness posters and banners -

Call in a few teens to participate in an awareness-based poster-making session. You can then put them up on the roadsides to indirectly build awareness on safe driving.

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Insist on enforcing strict laws and punishments -

Instances of strict action against lawbreakers by the police can be an example of safety and responsible driving for teens.

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Be a good role model -

New drivers learn by example, so if you drive recklessly, your teen may imitate you. Keep that in mind.

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They might not be ready -

Teenagers mature differently, and not all are ready to handle a driver's license at the same age. Keep that in mind before allowing them to get a license or even a learner's permit.

See also: Common mistakes you're making while driving

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