National Teen Driver Safety Week, held this year from October 20-26, 2024, is a good time to talk about the risks young drivers face on the road. Now in its 17th year, this week is dedicated to raising awareness and finding solutions to prevent teen injuries and fatalities caused by car accidents. As parents, we certainly want to make the roads safer for our teens, which is why it’s important to understand the unique challenges teen drivers face—and how we can contribute to reducing those risks through education.
Teen Driving Statistics
Teen drivers have a higher risk of being involved in fatal crashes compared to other age groups because of their lack of experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Teens between the ages of 16-19 are almost three times more likely than drivers aged 20 or older to be involved in a fatal crash.
- In 2020, almost 2,800 teens between the ages of 13–19 died, and another 227,000 were treated in emergency rooms for injuries due to car accidents.
- The first few months after a teen receives a driver’s license are the most dangerous.
- Speeding, distractions, and failing to wear a seat belt are leading causes of fatal teen crashes.
While these statistics are alarming, there are proactive steps that can be taken to significantly reduce the risks for teen drivers.
Teen Driving Safety Tips
Here are some essential tips to help ensure that teen drivers stay safe on the road:
- Always use seatbelts. Seat belts are a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of injury or death in a collision. Make sure your teen understands how important it is for them and their passengers to buckle up.
- Eliminate distractions. Explain to your teen that avoiding distractions while they are driving can help keep them and their passengers safe. They should put their phone away, avoid fiddling with the radio, and keep their focus on the road. In 2022, distracted driving contributed to over 3,000 fatalities in the U.S., many of which involved teens.
- Follow speed limits. Speeding is a factor in nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Parents should talk to their teens about following the speed limit, especially in residential areas and school zones.
- Limit passengers. Having multiple passengers increases the likelihood of risky behavior and distractions. Many states, including Washington, have graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws that limit the number of passengers for newly licensed drivers under the age of 18.
- Never drive under the influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction time. Remind teens that impaired driving is illegal and increases their chance of being involved in a deadly accident.
- Practice defensive driving. Teach teens to be cautious and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Encourage them to keep a safe distance and always be prepared for the unexpected.
- Get plenty of practice. The more experience teens have behind the wheel, the better. Parents should provide ample practice time in various driving conditions, such as at night, in rain, and in heavy traffic.
- Know the rules of the road. Reinforce the importance of understanding and following traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and yielding to pedestrians.
(Source: CDC, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Washington State Graduated Licensing Program
Washington State has a graduated licensing program (GDL). The program dictates that new drivers under the age of 18 who meet certain requirements are issued an intermediate license with restrictions. The purpose of the GDL program is to reduce the number of teen vehicle crashes by allowing beginning drivers to gain experience in lower risk situations while under direct supervision. Restrictions include:
- No passengers under 20 for the first six months, except for immediate family members.
- No more than three passengers under 20 for the next six months, except for immediate family members.
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who’s 25 or older.
- No cell phone use (not even with a hands-free device).
Teen driving safety isn’t just a concern for new drivers—families and communities also have a vested interest in reducing teen car accidents. National Teen Driver Safety Week is an important opportunity to discuss these issues and share resources that can help protect teens on the road. By following safety tips and encouraging responsible driving behaviors, we can all work together to ensure that teens drive safely to reduce the risks of being involved in a car accident.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If your teen driver was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss their legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that they deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
