According to studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, the most dangerous age for a driver is the first year they get their license. Data shows that the crash rate for 16 and 17-year-olds is as much as one-and-a-half higher per mile than 18 and 19-year-olds.
Common causes for accidents among teens include:
Speeding
Distracted driving, texting while driving, etc.
Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
Driving while drowsy or overtired
For the most part, teens face the same dangers as adults when they focus on the road. However, teenagers lack the experience of an older driver — and they often lack the maturity of their grown-up counterparts. Speeding is fun, teens say, or they may be distracted by talking with their passengers or texting on their cell phones. Nearly 15% of all crashes are caused by interacting with other passengers, and cell phone use accounts for a further 12%.
It’s already a given that no one should drive drunk or on drugs, but teenagers who choose to drive under the influence compound their dangers. They lack the tolerance adults have and often think their youth brings immunity and immortality. Nearly one-fourth of all accidents involving teenage drivers involve impaired driving, usually due to alcohol. Male drivers are more prone to accidents due to impaired, 27% as opposed to 15% for females.