Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for young people in the United States. Teen drivers in particular face higher risks due to a combination of inexperience, a tendency to engage in risky behaviors, and vulnerability to distractions.
This makes it incredibly important to adopt safety measures that can help reduce accidents, protect young drivers, and save lives.
The statistics surrounding teen driving accidents are particularly alarming:
| Category | Statistics / Details |
| Fatalities | In 2020, ~2,800 teens (ages 13–19) died in motor vehicle crashes. Crash rate per mile for 16-year-olds is 1.5× higher than for 18–19-year-olds. |
| Injuries | In 2020, approximately 227,000 teens were injured in motor vehicle crashes. |
| Risk Factors | Teen drivers have a fatal crash rate nearly 3× higher per mile than drivers aged 20+. Risk increases with teen passengers, nighttime driving, and no seat belt use. |
These sobering statistics emphasize the need for comprehensive efforts to improve teen driving safety and reduce the high rate of crashes and fatalities among young drivers.
Despite these numbers, teen driving deaths have gradually decreased over the last twenty years, suggesting that new safety measures and vehicle features may be helpful in reducing accident injuries and deaths.
Source: https://wisqars.cdc.gov/
5 Risk Factors for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers face a unique set of challenges behind the wheel, largely due to their limited experience and developmental factors. Understanding these risks is key to improving safety and preventing accidents.
Inexperience and Overconfidence
New drivers often lack the experience needed to accurately assess road conditions and react to hazards. This inexperience is frequently paired with overconfidence, leading teens to misjudge their abilities and make critical mistakes.
Distracted Driving
Using a phone to text or call while driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors for teen drivers. Studies show that texting or talking on the phone while driving increases the likelihood of a crash by up to 23 times. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, many teens continue to engage in distracted driving.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drug use behind the wheel is both illegal and highly dangerous. Teen drivers are more likely to take these risks, significantly increasing the chance of a severe or fatal accident.
Nighttime and Weekend Driving
Driving after dark comes with reduced visibility and a greater likelihood of fatigue. Weekends also tend to have higher traffic volumes and riskier driving behavior. Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in crashes during these times.
Seat Belt Usage
Seat belts save lives, yet many teens still neglect to buckle up. According to the CDC, in 2022, half of the teen drivers who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
Safety Steps for Teen Drivers
Staying safe behind the wheel starts with building smart habits. Here are key safety tips every teen driver should follow:
Step 1 – Always Wear a Seat Belt
Make it a rule to buckle up every time—no exceptions. Ensure all passengers are secure before you start driving.
According to the CDC, 43.1% of U.S. high school students did not always wear a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else in 2019.
Research from annual studies of seat belt use shows that teens and young adults (ages 16-24) consistently wear seat belts at a lower rate than adults aged 25 and older.
Step 2 – Avoid Distractions
Keep your attention on the road at all times. Put your phone away, avoid eating, and limit conversations that can take your focus off driving.
Distractions impair driving performance for all drivers, but they can be particularly hazardous for young, inexperienced drivers.
In 2019, 39% of U.S. high school students who drove admitted to texting or emailing while driving at least once in the past 30 days.
Step 3 – Follow Speed Limits
Stick to posted speed limits and adjust your speed when road or weather conditions require extra caution. Teens are more prone to speeding and maintaining shorter following distances compared to older drivers.
These risky behaviors tend to worsen when a male teenage passenger is in the vehicle. In 2020, 35% of male drivers and 18% of female drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the incident.
Step 4 – Never Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. If you’re impaired, never get behind the wheel.
Nearly 29% of drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 who were killed in motor vehicle accidents had been consuming alcohol.
About 62% percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes while under the influence of alcohol were not wearing a seatbelt.
Step 5 – Limit Nighttime Driving
Teen drivers should avoid driving late at night whenever possible, as reduced visibility and the increased risk of drowsy or impaired driving make nighttime driving particularly hazardous.
Many teens also face sleep deprivation, as their bodies require more rest during this stage of life, making them more prone to drowsy driving, especially on longer trips. Parents should encourage their teens to wait until they are fully rested before getting behind the wheel.
Nighttime driving is riskier for drivers of all ages, but it poses a significantly higher danger to teens. The fatal crash rate at night among teen drivers (ages 16–19) is nearly three times higher than that of adult drivers (ages 30–59) per mile driven.
Step 6 – Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving refers to a set of driving strategies aimed at preventing accidents by anticipating potential hazards and reacting safely to them.
It involves staying alert, following traffic laws, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, adjusting driving habits for weather and road conditions, and being prepared for other drivers’ mistakes. The goal is to reduce the risk of collisions and ensure safer driving for everyone on the road.
Making these habits second nature can go a long way in keeping teen drivers—and everyone else on the road—safe.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to enhance road safety by allowing new drivers to gain experience in a structured, step-by-step manner.
These laws aim to reduce the high crash risks that young, inexperienced drivers face by gradually increasing their driving privileges.
3 Stages of GDL
GDL systems typically involve three key stages:
- Stage 1: Learner’s Permit: At this initial stage, new drivers are allowed to drive only under the supervision of a fully licensed adult. This phase often includes a mandatory holding period and a required number of supervised driving hours to ensure foundational skills are developed.
- Stage 2: Intermediate License: Once the learner’s permit requirements are met, drivers may advance to the intermediate stage, where they can drive unsupervised. However, restrictions are still in place—such as limitations on driving at night and restrictions on the number of teenage passengers.
- Stage 3: Full License: After successfully completing the learner and intermediate stages, drivers earn a full, unrestricted license, allowing them to drive without any limitations.
Benefits of GDL Laws
GDL laws provide young drivers with the time and experience necessary to become safe and confident on the road. By gradually increasing driving privileges, these laws help reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities, contributing to safer roads for everyone.
Below are Some Tips for Parents & Teen Driving Safety
Parents play an important role in shaping their teen’s driving habits and ensuring their safety on the road.
By providing guidance, setting clear expectations, and leading by example, parents can help reduce the risks associated with teen driving.
- Setting a Good Example
Teens are highly influenced by their parents’ behavior, so it’s essential to model safe driving practices. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, obey traffic laws, and stay sober behind the wheel. Your actions will serve as a constant reminder for your teen to do the same. - Establishing Driving Rules and Agreements
Clear rules and expectations are vital in guiding your teen’s driving experience. Establish important guidelines, such as curfews, passenger limits, and a strict no-phone-use policy while driving. Consider drafting a driving agreement that outlines these rules and the consequences for breaking them to ensure accountability. - Supervising Practice Driving
Spend quality time with your teen behind the wheel. Supervised driving not only helps them build confidence but also provides opportunities to correct mistakes in real-time. Offering feedback and encouragement during these practice sessions will help them develop good driving habits. - Discussing the Dangers of Impaired and Distracted Driving
Open and honest conversations about the dangers of driving under the influence and distracted driving are essential. Talk to your teen about the serious risks involved with alcohol, drugs, and distractions such as texting or using a phone while driving. Reinforce the importance of staying focused and sober when behind the wheel.
By actively engaging in your teen’s driving education, you can significantly contribute to their safety and success as a responsible driver.
Basic Car Maintenance Tips for New Drivers
Becoming a confident and responsible driver means more than just learning the rules of the road — it also involves understanding how to properly care for your vehicle.
Staying on top of routine maintenance can reduce your chances of roadside breakdowns and help keep you safe behind the wheel.
One essential tip from the American Automobile Association is to test your car battery once a year to ensure it remains in good working condition.
Here are some other important car care basics every driver should know:
- Monitor Tire Pressure Regularly
Driving on underinflated or overly worn tires can increase the likelihood of an accident. Fortunately, checking tire pressure is simple with a digital tire gauge, and keeping your tires properly inflated can improve both safety and fuel efficiency. - Use the Penny Test to Check Tire Tread
To check if your tire tread is still adequate, insert a penny into the grooves with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the tread covers the top of his head, your tires are likely still safe to drive on. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. - Stick to Oil Change Guidelines
Oil keeps your engine running smoothly, so timely oil changes are crucial. While some modern cars can go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, many experts still suggest changing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Always refer to your car’s manual or speak with a certified technician to know what’s best for your vehicle. - Refill Windshield Washer Fluid
Clear visibility is essential, especially in bad weather. To top off your washer fluid, look under the hood for the reservoir marked with a windshield symbol. Open the cap, pour in the fluid until it’s full, close the cap securely, and shut the hood. - Understand Dashboard Warning Lights
Your car’s dashboard is full of indicators designed to alert you to potential problems — from low tire pressure to engine trouble. Take time to learn what each symbol means so you can act quickly if one lights up.
Resources for Teen Drivers and Parents
- Teen Driver Safety from the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/teen_drivers/
National data, prevention strategies, and risk factors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - NHTSA – Teen Driving Safety Hub
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving
Campaign materials, driving tips, and statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. - AAA – Tools for Teen Drivers and Parents
https://www.aaa.com/teens
Driving logs, coaching tips, and parent-teen agreements to promote safer habits behind the wheel. - IIHS – Highway Loss Data Institute: Teenagers
https://www.iihs.org/topics/teenagers
Research-based insights and safety ratings that can help guide vehicle selection and education efforts. - Parent-Teen Driving Agreement (PDF)
A ready-to-use template to set boundaries and expectations:
Download Agreement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the leading cause of teen driving accidents?
Inexperience and distracted driving are the primary contributors to teen driving accidents. Many teens overestimate their driving abilities and underestimate the risks, especially when distracted by phones or interacting with passengers.
Lack of experience makes it more difficult for younger drivers to recognize and respond to dangerous situations. Teens are also more likely to make mistakes that can result in more serious crashes.
What are Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws and how do they work?
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to help new drivers, particularly teens, gain driving experience in safer conditions. These laws typically involve a three-stage process that involves a Learner’s Permit, Intermediate License, and the Full License.
GDL laws aim to reduce the risk of accidents by giving young drivers the opportunity to build experience gradually, under lower-risk conditions. Research has shown that these laws effectively reduce crash rates among teen drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) three-stage graduated driver licensing programs can reduce a teen driver’s crash risk by as much as 50%. These driver’s programs are available in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia.
How can parents make a difference in their teens’ driving habits?
Parents have a significant influence on their teens’ driving behaviors. Set clear rules about driving, including curfews, passenger limits, and no phone use while driving. A written agreement outlining these rules and the consequences for breaking them can reinforce accountability.
Lead by example by practicing safe driving. Teens often mimic their parents’ behavior, so always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, and follow traffic laws. Parents can also consider spending time in the car with their teens, offering guidance and feedback. This hands-on practice helps them build confidence and improve their skills.
Have open discussions about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as the dangers of distracted driving. Stress the importance of staying focused and sober behind the wheel. Your involvement can play a crucial role in ensuring your teen develops safe and responsible driving habits.
Why is nighttime driving considered more dangerous for teens?
Nighttime driving poses additional risks for teens, including:
- Limited Visibility: Reduced lighting makes it harder to see obstacles, road signs, and other vehicles.
- Fatigue: Drivers are often more tired at night, which can impair their reaction time and decision-making.
- Increased Likelihood of Impaired Drivers: There is a higher chance of encountering drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs at night.
- Recreational Driving: Teen drivers often use night hours for recreational driving, which can involve speeding, excessive passengers, or alcohol use.
These factors make night driving particularly dangerous. In fact, the fatal crash rate for teen drivers at night is approximately three times higher than for adult drivers.
What should I do if I believe a vehicle defect contributed to a teen driver’s accident?
If you suspect a vehicle defect may have contributed to a teen driver’s accident, follow these steps:
- Ensure Safety: First, ensure that everyone involved is safe and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicle, and any visible defects that could have contributed to the crash.
- Report the Accident: File a police report to officially document the accident, including any suspected vehicle defects.
- Preserve Evidence: Avoid repairing the vehicle until it has been inspected. Keep any parts that may be defective for potential investigation.
- Consult an Attorney: Speak with a lawyer who specializes in vehicle defects or lemon law cases. They can guide you through the legal process and determine if you have a valid claim.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Report the defect to the vehicle manufacturer. They may launch an investigation and issue a recall if necessary.
- File a Claim: If a defect is confirmed, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer for damages.
Following these steps ensures that any potential defect is properly investigated and that you can seek fair compensation for any damages resulting from the incident.
Empowering Teens and Parents for Safer Roads
Teen driving safety is a shared responsibility between teens and their parents. Inexperienced drivers, distracted driving, and the temptation to speed or engage in risky behaviors can lead to devastating accidents.
Parents play a key role in shaping their teen’s driving habits by setting clear rules, modeling responsible behavior, and actively supervising their teen’s driving practice.
Moreover, teens must commit to safe driving practices, such as always wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Remember that your safety—and the safety of everyone on the road—depends on your decisions behind the wheel. Stay focused, stay calm, and never let distractions or peer pressure compromise your judgment.
Always buckle up, follow speed limits, and avoid driving late at night when the risks are higher. By practicing defensive driving and respecting the rules of the road, you can avoid accidents and ensure that your time behind the wheel is as safe as possible.
About the Author:
Jessica Anvar is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Lemon Law Experts in California. Since 2009 she has dedicated her legal career to consume protection representing individuals who have purchased or leased defective vehicles.
Ms. Anvar is nationally recognized for her extensive knowledge of both California and Federal Lemon Laws and is licensed to practice law in California, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
She is a consistent recipient of Southern California Super Lawyers honors and holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating for her expertise in Lemon Law.
Holding both a J.D. and M.B.A. from Loyola Law School and Loyola Marymount University, Jessica brings a strategic and compassionate approach to every case.
She is actively involved with several legal associations, including CAALA, CAOC, and NACA, and continues to be a prominent voice for consumer rights nationwide.
