Teenage drivers have a high risk of a car accident. The risk of a crash is higher for 16-19 year olds than for any other age group. This age group is three times more likely than older drivers to be involved in an accident. There are many factors and behaviors that increase the risk of crash, and young drivers often engage in such risky behaviors.
Some of the factors that lead to teen car crashes include:
Failure to use a seatbelt
Teen drivers have the lowest rate of seatbelt use of all drivers. Failing to buckle up can lead to more serious injuries in the event of an accident.
Inexperience
Crashes often occur in the first months that driver holds a license. It takes time to understand how to be a safe driver and how to operate your vehicle in a safe manner.
Teens driving teens
The risk of a crash increases when a teen has a teen passenger, and the risk increases further with the more teen passengers in the car.
Risk taking
Speeding, running red lights, following too closely and engaging in other risky behaviors are more common among young drivers than average drivers. This conduct can lead to car wrecks.
Drinking and substance use
Teen drivers often drink or use illicit substances before getting behind the wheel because they do not understand how much these behaviors affect driving and coordination. Drinking and substance use in young drivers leads to a lack of judgment and frequent accidents.