Getting their driver’s license is a right of passage for many teenagers in the Hackensack and New York City metro areas. Teens may be eager to hit the road, but unfortunately, they are often involved in traffic accidents, some of which can be fatal. The following is an overview of teen driving accidents in the U.S.
The statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of traffic accidents is greater for those ages 16 to 19, compared to any other age group. Per miles driven, drivers ages 16 to 19 are almost three times as likely as older motorists to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident. Male teens were more likely than female teens to be involved in a fatal accident, and teens driving with teen passengers were also more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. New drivers aged 16 also saw a crash rate per mile driving approximately 1.5 times higher than teens ages 18 to 19.
Why are teens at a greater risk for serious crashes?
Teens have less experience behind the wheel compared to older drivers. Therefore, they may underestimate or not recognize dangerous driving situations. They are also more likely than older drivers to make critical mistakes that ultimately leads to motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving, specifically cellphone use while driving, was also a major problem among teen drivers. Teen drivers may also be more apt to engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding or drunk driving.
Talk to your teen about safe driving practices
As this shows, it is important to talk to your teens about safe driving practices. Parents can talk to their teens about driver inexperience, distracted driving, drunk driving and reckless driving. By doing so, they can help educate their teen about safe driving practices that may help their teen avoid causing a motor vehicle accident.