21 Positive Teen Driving Facts – Every Parent Needs To Know!

Hey parents! Are you worried about your teenager’s driving skills? Are you constantly fretting about their safety on the road? Well, we’ve got some good news for you! We’ve compiled a list of 21 positive teen driving facts that are sure to give you peace of mind. From safer driving habits to improved vehicle safety, these statistics will help you feel better about your teenager getting behind the wheel. So buckle up and get ready to learn some fun and exciting facts about teen driving safety!

1. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws have been shown to reduce the number of car crashes involving teen drivers.
2. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers involved in fatal car accidents has decreased by 48% since 2008.
3. Teen drivers are becoming safer drivers, with the crash rate for 16-year-old drivers dropping by 62% since 1996.
4. The use of seat belts by teen drivers and passengers has increased over the years, with 90% of teenagers now regularly wearing their seat belts.
5. Driver education programs and supervised driving experiences are helping teen drivers develop better driving skills and safer driving habits.
6. Male teen drivers are becoming safer drivers, with the number of 16-year-old male drivers involved in fatal crashes decreasing by 66% since 1975.
7. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of teens aged 13 to 19 involved in fatal car crashes has decreased by 63% since 1975.
8. The NHTSA reports that the fatal crash rate for 16- and 17-year-old drivers have decreased by 70% since the 1970s.
9. Teen drivers are becoming more aware of the risks of distracted driving, with the number of teenagers texting while driving decreasing by 7% since 2013.
10. The IIHS reports that teen drivers are becoming safer passengers, with the number of teenage passengers killed in car crashes decreasing by 74% since 1975.
11. According to the IIHS, newly licensed teen drivers are less likely to be involved in a crash when they have more supervised driving experience.
12. Teen drivers are becoming more aware of the dangers of driving after drinking, with the number of 16- to 20-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes who had been drinking decreasing by 53% since 1982.
13. The IIHS reports that teen drivers are becoming safer drivers at night, with the number of 16- to 19-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes at night decreasing by 68% since 1975.
14. The NHTSA reports that the number of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes has decreased by 54% since 2006.
15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers involved in fatal car crashes has decreased by 37% since 2005.
16. The IIHS reports that the number of teenage drivers involved in fatal crashes has decreased by 58% since 1975.
17. Teen drivers are becoming more aware of the risks of drowsy driving, with the number of 16- to 24-year-old drivers involved in fatal car crashes who were drowsy decreasing by 12% since 2013.
18. According to the IIHS, the number of teenage drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes has decreased by 62% since 1980.
19. The NHTSA reports that the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes who were not wearing a seat belt has decreased by 45% since 2006.
20. The GDL system is helping reduce the crash risk for novice drivers by providing a structured learning process that gradually introduces them to more complex driving behaviors and situations
21. GPS tracking devices can help prevent teen crashes by allowing parents to recognize risky behaviors such as speeding early and correct them. In fact, GPS trackers are great tools for vehicle safety!

The 6 Common Mistakes Teenage Drivers Make – And Why They Are A BIG Problem!

Distracted Driving – One of the most common mistakes that teen drivers make is driving while distracted. This can include texting, using a phone or other electronic device, eating, drinking, or talking to passengers while driving. Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of a car accident, as it takes the driver’s attention away from the road and other drivers.

Speeding – Teen drivers are more likely to speed than adult drivers, which is a major risk factor for car accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle, making it more difficult to avoid a crash.

Not Wearing A Seatbelt – Teen drivers are less likely to wear a seatbelt than adult drivers, even though it is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injuries or fatalities in a car accident. It is essential for parents to emphasize the importance of seatbelt use to their teen drivers.

Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol – Teenagers are more likely to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol than any other age group, even though it is illegal and extremely dangerous. Driving under the influence significantly impairs a driver’s ability to make safe driving decisions, making it one of the most serious mistakes that a teen driver can make.

Reckless Driving – Reckless driving can include actions such as tailgating, cutting other drivers off, and weaving in and out of traffic. These actions increase the risk of a car accident and can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Inexperience – Inexperience is a major factor that contributes to the higher crash rate for teen drivers. Novice teen drivers lack the experience to handle unexpected situations, such as adverse weather conditions or unexpected road hazards.

As a parent of a teen driver, you have a unique opportunity to instill safe driving habits in your young driver. How? By teaching them through your actions. That means setting a positive example and demonstrating safe driving behaviors such as always wearing a seatbelt, putting away your phone while driving, and avoiding distractions. So if you want to help your teen develop good driving habits that will stick with them for years to come, show them what safe driving looks like!

Teen Driving Safety Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Leading Causes Of Death For Teenagers In The United States?

Motor vehicle crashes are a serious problem for teenagers in the United States, as they are more likely to be involved in car accidents than any other age group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than any other age group. Furthermore, car accidents are responsible for more deaths among teenagers than any other cause, including suicide, homicide, and drug overdose. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to take teen driving safety seriously and to ensure that their teenagers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make safe driving decisions

What Are Some Risky Driving Behaviors That Teenagers Should Avoid?

Teenagers should avoid risky driving behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, texting while driving, and driving while drowsy. These behaviors increase the risk of a car accident and can have serious consequences.

What Can I Do To Ensure My Teenager Is Safe While Driving At Night?

Make sure your teenager is comfortable with nighttime driving and has enough experience to handle any unexpected situations. Also, encourage your teenager to drive at a safe speed and to be alert and aware of their surroundings.

What Are Some Ground Rules I Should Set For My Teenager’s Driving?

Ground rules for your teenager’s driving should include always wearing a seat belt, not using a cell phone while driving, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Also, be sure to set limits on the number of passengers your teenager can have in the car and the hours they can drive.

What Should I Do If My Teenager Is Involved In A Car Accident?

If your teenager is involved in a car accident, make sure they are safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Then, contact your insurance company and consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer to protect your teenager’s legal rights.

What Are Some Things Parents Should Know About The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws?

GDL laws are designed to help novice teen drivers gain experience in a safe and gradual manner. They typically include restrictions on nighttime driving and the number of passengers that can be in the car, as well as a minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license. Be sure to check your state’s GDL laws for specific details.