logo

Call Now:

(312) 609-0400

24/7
Call Us for Free Consultation

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

Search
Close this search box.

Older Teen Drivers Are at a Higher Risk For Car Crashes than Their Younger Counterparts

Male teen driver involved in a traffic car crash

or fill out the Contact Form

Age and more time behind the wheel creates risky behaviors for older teenage drivers. They are involved in approximately 20 percent more accidents than younger teen drivers with less driving experience.

Male teen driver involved in a traffic car crash

Teenage Drivers

Older teens perceive themselves to be better, more experienced drivers than younger teens and often take more risks behind the wheel. Studies show that older teen drivers are overconfident in their driving skills, despite having a higher number of car accidents than younger drivers. Older teens are 70 percent more likely to exhibit risky driving behaviors including:

  • Talking or texting on a cell phone
  • Changing radio stations
  • Playing videos and CDs
  • Crowding passengers into the car
  • Driving faster than the speed limit
  • Driving while drowsy

Older teens also say they fear fewer consequences from their parents and other adults if they have a car accident or some type of car-related incident. Approximately 70 percent of teens between age 15 and 16 say that their parents would revoke their driving privileges, if they got into a car accident. Only 55 percent of teens age 18 and older fear the same consequences from their parents.

Although it’s natural for teenage drivers to gain skill and confidence with age and driving experience, older teens are more likely to test the boundaries of safe driving practices. Many parents increase personal freedoms and decrease responsibilities with older teens, especially if they are graduating from high school and preparing to head off to college. However, it’s important for parents to emphasize safe driving practices to children of all ages to reduce their risks of car accidents and injuries.

Car accidents can happen to anyone, but teen drivers have a high rate of auto accidents each year. Accident statistics show that teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times more likely than drivers over the age of 20 to be in involved in a fatal car accident. In the United States, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that car crashes are the leading cause of death and injuries for teenagers.

In the U.S., the percentage of teenage drivers in speed-related crashes is greater than in any other age group. In drivers between the ages of 16 and 20, 11 percent have been involved in serious speed-related crashes in the last five years. In 2015, more than 2,300 teens between the ages of 16 and 19 died in car accidents, and more than 235,800 were treated in hospital emergency departments for serious injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes.

Parents can Encourage Safe Driving for Teens

Parents can have a big impact on teen driving behaviors and car safety. By discussing driving safety, the risks of car accidents and potential injuries, and setting rules for teen drivers, parents can play a significant role in keeping their teens safe behind the wheel. Parents should following some important safety tips:

Practice Driving Skills

Almost 40 percent of teenage drivers say their parents stop practicing driving skills with them once they get their driver’s license. To ensure safe driving skills, practicing should not stop when a teen leaves the DMV with a license in his/her hands. Parents should continue to drive with their teens to observe their driving skills and teach them good driving behaviors. When they leave home, they will be much more likely to exercise safe driving skills and avoid risky driving behaviors.

Set Expectations

Parents should set and discuss expectations for teen drivers. Discussing safe driving procedures, consequences for risky behaviors, and family rules and regulations will reduce the potential for problems. Parents should talk about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and certain medications that cause impaired cognitive and motor skills. Teens should understand that they could be arrested and face steep fines and possible jail time if charged with a DUI offense.

Show Accountability

New monitoring technology allows parents to hold teen drivers accountable for their actions behind the wheel. There are apps that can track and score certain driving behaviors such as car acceleration and speed, hard or sudden braking, and cell phone use. Some states even reward good driving behaviors for teen drivers with discounts on auto insurance.

Reward Safe Driving

Rather than constantly punishing teen drivers for bad driving behaviors, parents can encourage good driving by offering rewards. Safe drivers can be rewarded with simple things like a pizza night, movie or video game, a gift card, or a break from a household chore. A reward doesn’t have to cost a lot to be an effective way to promote safe driving.

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

Related Articles

Big rig t-boned the other vehicle. Truck accident lawsuit
Motor Vehicle Accident

How the Black Box Can Help Your Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois

Understanding how the black box can help your truck accident lawsuit in Illinois can improve your odds of recovering full compensation for your injuries or losses. A black box is an electronic onboard recording tool that monitors the trucker’s driving time. The box can offer information on the truck’s operation before, during, and after an accident.

Young man in suit in his office showing an insurance policy and pointing with a pen where the policy holder must to sign. Lowball insurance settlement offer
Motor Vehicle Accident

Reasons for a Lowball Insurance Settlement Offer

An insurance company in Chicago, Illinois, may propose a lowball insurance settlement offer to maximize profits and avoid a lawsuit. The company may make a low settlement offer because it used software to generate it, or believes you are likely to take the offer. An insurer may also offer a lowball settlement if it thinks you will not retain a lawyer.

3d Illustration of men Feeling the Neck Pain. average payout for nerve damage car accident
Motor Vehicle Accident

What Is the Average Payout for Nerve Damage After a Car Accident?

The average payout for nerve damage after a car accident can vary. Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you receive will depend on the factors related to your situation. This includes the severity of your injuries, how they impact your daily life, and the losses you experience as a result of your damages.

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos