Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of teen crashes, and that often means a cell phone is involved. But let us not forget, there is another distracted driving behavior—often overlooked—that your teen drivers need to be educated about: passenger interaction. Studies show that the risk of a crash increases with each additional teenage passenger in the car.
Why? Teen drivers are still developing the skills needed to navigate the road safely. Add peer passengers into the mix, and the risk multiplies because attention shifts from the road to the riders — and that can be deadly.
“Teen drivers account for 9.1% of all motor vehicle crashes and 6.1% of fatal crashes, despite comprising only 3.7% of all U.S. drivers.” (Source: Consumer Affairs: Teen Driving Statistics 2025)
The Dangers of Passengers
When teens have passengers in the car, especially peers, distractions increase, and the risk of a wreck rises significantly. Other risks include:
Distraction. Harmless distractions, like having a conversation or laughing with friends, can cause a teen driver to lose focus, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Peer pressure can lead to risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, showing off, racing, or attempting to beat a train through a crossing.
Inexperience. Teen drivers are still learning how to navigate traffic, anticipate hazards, and make quick, smart decisions. The distraction of a passenger (or two) makes it even harder for them to focus on driving safely. Inexperience combined with distraction can be a deadly combination.
Has your teen driver been involved in a car accident? Contact us at (877) 284-6600.
To help manage these risks, most states have implemented Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) provisions that include passenger limits for newly licensed teens, limiting the number of passengers they can carry during the first months of driving.
Missouri’s Graduated Driver License law
Although most states now have restrictions limiting the number of passengers newly licensed teens may drive, most will allow them to carry family members.
Parental involvement is one of the most powerful tools in promoting teen driver safety. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Supervise your teen’s driving. Coach them on becoming responsible and safe drivers. Practice in low-risk situations, gradually increasing the complexity of the situations.Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
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
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published August 6, 2019, and was reviewed/updated on October 4, 2022. It was updated and re-published on October 15, 2025.
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