Five Risks for Teen Drivers
For teen drivers, inexperience and peer pressure often lead to poor decisions when driving. Teen drivers also face other challenges when behind the wheel, ones that can increase their risk of an accident. The five most common and deadly include:
- Driving impaired
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving with passengers
Is your teen practicing safe driving habits?
Teen Drivers: Know these Five Risks
- Driving under the influence. 17% of teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2020 had alcohol in their system. Teens should know that “under the influence” can mean alcohol and other illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter medicines. All of these substances can slow a driver’s reaction time and have serious consequences.
Seat belt usage. In 2020, slightly more than half (52%) of the teen passenger vehicle drivers who died in crashes were unbuckled. Make sure teen drivers and passengers understand that seat belt usage can save their lives; it should be one of the first things they do when getting into a vehicle. Every trip, every time.- Distracted driving. Teach teens that distractions go beyond texting. Often, they drive while talking to passengers, eating or drinking, adjusting music or navigation, or grooming (yes, brushing hair or applying makeup!). Anything that takes eyes, hands, or mind off the road is a distraction, especially for a young, inexperienced driver.
- Passengers in the vehicle. Studies show that a teen’s chances of getting into an accident increase with each additional teenage passenger in the car. Peer influence can lead to risky behavior and reduced focus.
- Speeding. In 2020, almost one-third (31%) of all teen drivers of passenger vehicles involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash.
When you have questions, we are here to help. Call us at (877) 284-6600.
6 Rules of the Road Every Teen Should Follow
Help your teen build safe driving habits with these essential rules.
- Don’t drive impaired. Remind teens that drinking before the age of 21 is illegal and that being under the influence of any drug while driving can be deadly for them and their friends.
- Always buckle up. Just remember to do this every trip, every time, whether you are the driver or passenger. Don’t put the car in drive until all belts are buckled. No exceptions, no excuses.
- No distractions. Eyes on the road. Hands on the wheel. Limit the distractions while driving. In fact, never text, dial, or use mobile phone apps while driving. If it is too tempting, put the phone in the glove box or somewhere out of reach. Fully focus on driving.
- No speeding. Faster speeds take the extra reaction time away that inexperienced drivers may need to avoid a crash.
- Limit passengers. Know how many passengers you can legally have in the car, but also know that with each passenger in the vehicle, the risk of a deadly crash goes up. Most states now have restrictions limiting the number of passengers newly licensed teens may drive as part of Graduated Driver Licensing programs.
- Avoid drowsy driving. Getting the right amount of sleep is important for every driver, especially for inexperienced teen drivers. Remind them of the dangers of drowsy driving.
Source: Parents, Talk to Your Teen Driver About Safe Driving
Additional Resources for Teen Driver Safety
Need Legal Help After a Teen Driving Accident?
If your teen driver has been seriously injured in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato is here to help.
Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery. Call (877) 284-6600 today for a free, no-obligation case review. One of our experienced legal professionals will speak with you directly, listen to your concerns, and provide clear guidance on your options.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 22, 2019. It was reviewed on September 9, 2022, and updated for content and accuracy. It was re-published on October 17, 2022. Last editing: September 19, 2025.
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