Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes than any other age group. That\u2019s mainly because they\u2019re less experienced and lack the\u00a0attitudes and behaviors\u00a0that come with experience.<\/p>\n
Specific risk factors that teens and parents should be aware of include:<\/p>\n
Distractions<\/strong> Passengers<\/strong> Alcohol<\/strong> Seatbelts<\/strong> Speed<\/strong> Tiredness<\/strong> What can teen drivers do? <\/strong> The DriversEd.com<\/a> website includes advice for teens learning to drive as well as a blog with articles on topics such as How to Select the Best Car for Teen Drivers<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nOne in three teens who text say they have done so while driving<\/a>. And although teens aren\u2019t the only ones to drive distracted, their inexperience makes them more susceptible to the dangers.<\/p>\n
\nTeen drivers \u2013 who don\u2019t have much experience on the road \u2013 are easily distracted by other teens in the car, who might not appreciate just how distracting their behavior can be. And teens who drive with passengers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found that teen drivers were 2.5 times more likely to engage in at least one risky behavior when driving with a teen passenger, compared to when driving alone. If the number of passengers increases, so does the likelihood of the driver taking risks.<\/p>\n
\nIn 2016, almost one in five teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking<\/a>. Even while sober, teens are already more likely to take risks and lack the judgment and experience of an older driver. Add alcohol or drugs into the mix and the risks are amplified.<\/p>\n
\nCompared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seatbelt use<\/a>. While wearing one won\u2019t prevent your teen from crashing, it could save their life if they do crash.<\/p>\n
\nTeenage drivers are more likely than older drivers to speed and leave an unsafe following distance<\/a>. This means they have less chance to react in an emergency situation and a smaller \u201cescape space\u201d if things go wrong.<\/p>\n
\nTeens are busy people; whether they are studying, socializing, working or using technology. This combination of activities can impact on their sleep habits which, in turn, can lead to driving while tired. In 2016, drivers aged 15-18 accounted for almost one in 10 fatal drowsy driving crashes<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThere\u2019s lots teen drivers can do to help keep themselves safe on the roads. Start by reading our Driver Code of Conduct<\/a> and making a Pledge<\/a> to drive safely.<\/p>\n