Teen Driver Statistics

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and disability to teens in the United States. According to the most recent teen driver safety statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 2,500 adolescents (ages 12-19) died in motor vehicle crashes in 2018 and approximately 297,000 nonfatal injuries occurred among adolescents as a result of motor vehicle crashes in 2018.

Most teen crashes can be prevented with plenty of quality parent supervised driving practice to help teenagers gain experience in a variety of driving environments and to develop the critical driving skills they need. Most teen driver crashes are due to three “critical errors:” lack of scanning, speeding, and distractions.  

Teen driver statistics also show that teens are also more likely to crash if impaired, using a cell phone, or with peer passengers. Parents can help teens manage these crash risks by setting and enforcing house rules to keep them safe. These rules should include seat belt use on every ride, every time, and limiting nighttime driving and peer passengers until the first full year of independent driving.

Sharing teen driver statistics and proven ways to prevent crashes will help keep your family safe. Insist on safe driving behaviors and promote their use with house driving rules and plenty of communication.