Teen Driving Statistics: Understanding the Risks and Addressing Them
Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury among teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,364 teens aged 16-19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, while another 300,000 were injured, many seriously. These statistics are alarming and underscore the need for parents, educators, and policymakers to take proactive measures to reduce the risks of teen driving.
Here are some key teen driving statistics and trends that highlight the scope and nature of the issue:
- Young drivers are overrepresented in crash statistics. Although teenagers account for only about 6% of licensed drivers, they are involved in about 8% of fatal crashes and 14% of all police-reported crashes. The risk of crashing per mile driven is highest among 16- to 19-year-olds, who are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers aged 20 and older.
- Speeding is a common factor in teen crashes. In 2017, 26% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash. Male drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal speeding-related crashes than females.
- Alcohol and drugs impair teen driving performance. About 15% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had consumed alcohol, while 5% tested positive for drugs. The risk of a fatal crash increases with higher levels of alcohol in the bloodstream.
- Distracted driving is a growing concern. With the proliferation of cellphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving is becoming a major factor in teen crashes. In 2017, 9% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash.
- Nighttime driving can be dangerous for teens. Most fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur between 9 p.m. and midnight, when teenage drivers are likely to be tired, distracted, and less experienced with night driving. In 2017, 31% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occurred at night.
- Teen passengers increase crash risk for novice drivers. When teen drivers have other teens in the car, the risk of a fatal crash increases. In fact, the risk of a fatal crash is almost double for 16- and 17-year-old drivers when they have teen passengers, compared to when they are driving alone.
- Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs can reduce teen crash rates. GDL programs are designed to phase in driving privileges for novice drivers, gradually exposing them to more complex driving situations and restrictions on driving at night, with passengers, or while using electronic devices. Studies have shown that GDL programs can reduce teen crash rates by 20-40%.
These statistics paint a sobering picture of the risks faced by young drivers and the need for concerted efforts to improve their safety. But what can parents, educators, and policymakers do to address these risks? Here are some practical suggestions:
- Encourage safe driving habits. Parents can be role models for safe driving, emphasizing the importance of obeying traffic laws, wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Parents can also set rules for teen drivers, such as limiting their night driving or prohibiting teenage passengers.
- Promote driver education and training. High-quality driver education and training can prepare young drivers for the challenges of driving and help them develop skills and confidence. Teens should also be encouraged to gain experience through supervised practice driving.
- Support graduated driver licensing programs. Policymakers can champion the adoption and enforcement of GDL programs, which have been shown to reduce risky driving behavior and crashes among teen drivers. Parents can also advocate for these programs in their communities and encourage their state legislators to support them.
- Monitor and limit cellphone use while driving. Drivers, especially novice drivers, should avoid using cellphones or other electronic devices while driving, as this can be a major distraction. Parents can monitor their teen's cellphone use while driving and set clear rules about when and where texting or talking on the phone is allowed.
- Discuss the risks and consequences of unsafe driving. Open and honest communication between parents and teens about the risks and consequences of unsafe driving can help young drivers make better decisions behind the wheel. Teens should be encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance when faced with difficult driving situations or peer pressure to take risks.
By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to address them, parents, educators, and policymakers can help reduce the toll of teen driving crashes and protect the lives of young drivers and passengers. The statistics may be alarming, but the solutions are within our reach.