There is no way to candy-coat this fact, nor should we: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States.
Teen drivers must be aware they face higher risks behind the wheel and that their undivided attention is essential for them to stay safe on the road.
In its guide for highway safety offices, Countermeasures That Work, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that inexperience and immaturity combine to make young drivers especially at-risk in five circumstances:
- At night: Driving is more difficult and dangerous at night for everyone, but particularly for teenagers. Young drivers have less experience driving at night than during the day, and drowsiness and alcohol may be more of a factor at night.
- After drinking alcohol: Young drivers' inexperience with both driving and drinking (an illegal act) means that they have a higher crash risk at all bodily alcohol content levels than older drivers.
- With passengers: Teenage passengers can distract young drivers and encourage them to take risks.
- When unbelted: Seat belts reduce the risk of injury or fatality in a crash, but teenage drivers and passengers have lower belt use rates than older drivers and passengers.
- When using cell phones: All drivers are at higher risk when talking or texting; however, young drivers use cell phones more frequently than older drivers and have more difficulty handling distractions.
Young drivers can lower their risks by learning What Every Driver Must Know, giving the task of driving the attention it requires and striving for safety at all times.
Learn more about teen driving risk awareness.
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