Facts on Teens & Driving
That long-awaited rite of passage for teenagers-a driver's license-is also cause for concern for parents handing over the keys to the car. It's a well-known fact that teens, especially younger ones, have the highest crash rates-and unfortunately, the highest fatality rates.
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-year-olds.
- More than half of the 3,660 teen drivers killed in 2003 were NOT wearing safety belts.
- Teens tend to drive too fast, which leaves inadequate time for braking, and they often overcorrect when making turns. Excessive speed is often a factor in crashes involving young drivers.
- A third of the young drivers killed in crashes in 2003 had been drinking alcohol.
- In non-fatal crashes, more than 300,000 teens were injured in 2003.
Learn more about Teen Driving: