Teen Driver Statistics

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and disability to teens in the United States. According to teen driver safety statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,1,830 young drivers ages 15 to 20 years old died in motor vehicle crashes in 2017. Although dire, this represents a 4 percent decrease from the 1,916 young drivers who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016.

These teen driver statistics do not include deaths of passengers, as well as deaths of those in other cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Yet, 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.