More than 46,000 people die in car crashes each year, according to the Annual United States Road Crash Statistics. So, who is most at risk? Ages 16-19 are the highest risk for motor vehicle crashes as teen drivers in this age group are nearly three times as likely as drivers aged 20 or older to be in a fatal crash. But what is the biggest factor causing these accidents? Research from the CDC points to a few key reasons teen drivers are likely to be involved in car accidents the biggest being lack of experience. Many kids are quick to want to get on the road but it is critical that you make sure that you and your child are aware of the dangers and risks of getting on the road with little experience. Safety is always the most important thing when it comes to teen driving and you should always make sure you and your child are educated about teen driving knowing the facts as it can be hazardous.
This brings us to our big question, should the driving age be moved to 18? While answering this question you have to look at the benefits to driving for this age group as this can be more convenient to you and your child while you don’t have to worry about the mess of having to pick up and drop off your child at school, work, sporting events or social activities prior to getting their drivers license. every day while your child can learn to be independent not always depending on their guardian. Is this worth putting your life at risk though? No, a teen’s life will always be more important than any of the benefits of teen driving.
What teens are especially at high risk for motor vehicle crashes? The three kinds of teens at the highest risk are males, teens driving with or young adult passengers, and newly licensed teens.
In 2019, the death rate for male drivers ages 16-19 was over two times higher than the death rate for female drivers of the same age, men tend to drive more miles than women and are more likely to engage in risky driving practices by not using seat belts or driving while intoxicated.
Teenagers are more vulnerable to peer influences than adults. Teenage driving risks increase in vehicles with multiple teenagers and the chances are real. when it comes to newly licensed teenagers driving with peers, it is a dangerous distraction. 42% of 16 and 17-year-old drivers in car accidents in 2005 were transporting teenagers with no adults in the vehicle they are also more likely than adults to make critical decision errors.
Finally, newly licensed teens. Teenagers are 10x more likely to be in a fatal car accident than adults and the biggest cause of this is lack of experience. unskilled drivers can present a much higher overall accident risk on the road. They generally lack the skills necessary to stay out of trouble or handle dangerous scenarios when they arise, and they may take chances out on the road that older drivers might prefer to avoid.
