Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, but the good news is that they are preventable. Proven strategies can significantly improve young driver safety on the road.
The Scope of the Problem
- Approximately 2,800 teens aged 13–19 were killed and about 227,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. On average, this equates to eight teen fatalities and hundreds of injuries every day.
- These crashes resulted in an estimated $40.7 billion in medical costs and the economic impact of lives lost in 2020.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain groups of teens are particularly vulnerable to motor vehicle crashes:
- Teen Males
The crash death rate for male drivers aged 16–19 was three times higher than that of their female counterparts in 2020.
- Teens Driving with Peers
The presence of other teen or young adult passengers increases the likelihood of a crash, with the risk rising sharply as more passengers are added.
- Newly Licensed Drivers
Crash risk is highest in the first few months after obtaining a license. For example, 16-year-old drivers have a crash rate 1.5 times higher per mile driven than 18–19-year-olds.
Key Risk Factors
Inexperience
- Teens are less adept at recognizing and responding to hazardous situations and are more prone to critical errors while driving.
Nighttime and Weekend Driving
- Nighttime driving is especially risky, with teen crash rates at night being three times higher than those of adult drivers.
- Nearly half (44%) of teen motor vehicle deaths in 2020 occurred between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., and 50% happened on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
Seat Belt Use
- Many teens do not consistently wear seat belts.
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- In 2020, 56% of teen drivers and passengers killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
- Surveys indicate 43.1% of high school students admit they don’t always buckle up when riding in someone else’s car.
Distracted Driving
- Distracted driving, such as texting or emailing while behind the wheel, is a widespread problem.
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- Nearly 39% of high school student drivers admitted to texting or emailing while driving in 2019.
Speeding
- Teens are more likely than adults to speed and follow vehicles too closely.
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- Among teens involved in fatal crashes in 2020, 35% of male drivers and 18% of female drivers were speeding.
Drinking Alcohol
- Even small amounts of alcohol can significantly impair a teen’s ability to drive safely. Teen drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below the legal limit are still at a much higher crash risk compared to adults.
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- Among drivers aged 15–20 killed in crashes in 2020, 29% had been drinking, and 17% had a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Drug Use
- Driving under the influence of any substance is both dangerous and illegal. Marijuana, in particular, is the most common drug linked to impaired driving after alcohol.
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- Studies show marijuana use impairs judgment, motor coordination, and reaction time—all critical for safe driving.
When teens combine marijuana use with alcohol, the risk of crashes becomes even greater than using either substance alone.
Taking Action to Reduce Teen Crashes
Teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable, and addressing these risk factors is key to improving road safety. Strategies such as graduated licensing programs, parental involvement, and public awareness campaigns can help reduce the likelihood of crashes and save lives. By working together, we can create safer roads for everyone.