It is totally normal to be concerned about your teenager driving. Even if they’re ready and are a capable driver, there’s no guarantee who they’ll have in their car, what kind of day they’ll be having, or whether others are being safe on the road around them. When your teen gets behind the wheel, it’s important that they know the risks they’re taking so they can take measures to avoid dangerous situations. You can start a discussion with your teenager about how many car accidents are caused by young drivers, and what factors are at play, to get your worries out in the open and educate your teen on driver safety. Here are some stats to get you started.
Did you know:
A driver’s risk of crashing is at its highest during the first year they have their license.
The CDC released data in 2018 saying that the crash risk is highest during the first year that a driver has their license. This is likely due to inexperience and their inability to recognize dangerous driving scenarios.
27% percent of traffic fatalities were caused by speeding, and 48% of speeding drivers were in the 16-24 age group. Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and follow too closely.
Remind your teen that speeding is a huge risk, and just because their friends do it, doesn’t mean they should. Set a good example and follow the speed limits while driving, too!
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 16-25 year olds.
It’s a well-known fact there are more car accidents caused by young drivers, or involving new drivers, but did you know that car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens?
Impaired driving (alcohol and/or drugs) are a factor in 55% of those crashes.
Even though young people are the least likely to drive impaired out of all the age groups, they are still at a significantly higher risk of crashing while impaired, so it’s important that they know of alternate options for getting home safely if they’re under the influence.
Human error or condition is a direct cause of more than 90% of road crashes.
Most vehicle crashes are preventable. Being on the look-out and recognizing danger is the safest thing you can do as a driver.
It can take up to 10x longer to stop on snow and ice than it does on dry pavement.
Geico Insurance published in 2018 that it can indeed take up to TEN times longer to stop on snow and ice. Winter conditions are not to be taken lightly, so speak to your teen about driving safely in the cold months. Our online driving course for parents of teens includes a Winter Driving module, if you need help getting started.
When a teen driver is carrying a passenger, the risk of a fatal car crash doubles. If two or more passengers are present, the odds are five times as likely. Furthermore, 20% of female teens and 24% of male teens who crash say they were distracted by a passenger beforehand.
It’s not always about the driver or the other vehicles on the road. Your teen is human, and it must be stressed that no one is immune to distraction. Be aware of your surroundings while driving – including inside your own car!
By discussing these statistics with your teen you are encouraging them to think about how to recognize and prevent these dangers. Consider opening this dialogue with your loved one and utilizing other tools to help them become safer drivers, such as a Canadian driving lesson plan and a Parent-Teen Driving Contract.
Credit to https://tests.ca/driving-statistics/ and https://madd.ca/pages/programs/youth-services/statistics-links/ for the statistics referenced on this page.
