While driving can be a thrilling experience, it also comes with significant risks, especially for teenagers. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, accounting for over one-third of all teen deaths. Alarmingly, 40% of teens find driving scary, potentially indicating a lack of confidence in handling stressful or complex driving situations. Moreover, some states pose higher risks for teen drivers than others.
Teen Driving Statistics
Understanding the dangers of teen driving can help foster safer habits. Here are some key statistics highlighting the risks associated with teen driving:
High Fatality Rates: Teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely to be in a fatal crash per mile driven than drivers aged 20 and older (CDC).
Age-Related Risks: The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16 to 19-year-olds than any other age group (Teen Driver Source).
Fatalities in Numbers: In 2019, 2,375 teenagers aged 13 to 19 died in motor vehicle crashes (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute).
Risky Behaviors: Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (CDC).
Critical Errors: A staggering 75% of serious teen driver crashes result from critical errors such as failing to scan for hazards, speeding, and driving while distracted (Teen Driver Source).
Speeding: Speeding was a factor in 28% of all fatal crashes involving teen drivers (NHTSA).
Seatbelt Use: 43% of high school students admit to not always wearing a seatbelt (CDC).
Riding with Impaired Drivers: 17% of high school students reported riding with a driver who had been drinking (CDC).
Distracted Driving: 39% of teens have texted or emailed while driving (CDC).
Alcohol Consumption: In 2018, 16% of 15- to 18-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking alcohol (NHTSA).
Essential Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Now that we have you canceling your 16-year-old’s upcoming driver’s test let’s see all the ways that can help your teen stay as safe as possible behind the wheel.
Get to Know the Car: Before hitting the road, teens should familiarize themselves with the car's controls, indicators, and basic maintenance tasks like changing a tire and checking oil levels.
Adjust Driver Settings: Drivers should ensure car seat and mirrors are properly adjusted for optimal visibility and control.
Remove Distractions: Minimize distractions such as phones, loud music, and chatty passengers to maintain focus on the road.
Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow time for braking or lane changes.
Watch Your Speed: Adhere to speed limits to reduce the risk of losing control and mitigate crash severity.
Buckle Up: Always wear a seatbelt and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
Practice Regularly: The more teens practice driving, the more confident and skilled they’ll become.
Stay Calm: In stressful situations, drivers should take deep breaths and, if necessary, pull over to calm down.
Understand Passenger Laws: Teens should familiarize themselves with provisional licensing laws and adhere to passenger restrictions.
Avoid Drinking and Driving: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Put Away Your Phone: Use Do Not Disturb mode and keep phones out of reach to avoid the temptation to use them while driving.
Limit Nighttime Driving: Many states restrict nighttime driving for teens. Adhere to these laws to stay safe.
Cost of Insurance for Teen Drivers in Texas
Teen drivers in Texas face high insurance costs. A 16-year-old on a parent's policy pays an average of $5,199 per year for full coverage. Drivers with excellent credit pay an average of $2,093 annually, while those with poor credit average $5,938.
Don’t throw away your retirement plans just yet! We have some ways to save money while having a teen in the driver’s seat.
Good Grades: Teens with good grades can often receive discounts on auto insurance.
Safety Courses: Completing a driver’s education course can lead to insurance discounts.
Vehicle at Home: Teens away at college without a car may qualify for a discount.
Telematics App: Letting the insurer track a teen's driving habits through an app can earn discounts if they drive safely.
Inexpensive Vehicles: Insuring an inexpensive car or one with a good safety rating can lower costs.
Add to Parent's Policy: Adding a teen to a parent's policy is usually cheaper than a separate policy.
Learner’s Permit: Inform the insurer if a teen is driving with a learner’s permit to ensure coverage.
By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, teens can navigate the roads more safely and responsibly. Parents play a crucial role in guiding their teens towards safe driving habits, ultimately helping to reduce the alarming statistics surrounding teen driving accidents.
Want to get a free quote on auto insurance with your teen driver? Talk with one of our experienced and award-winning insurance agents:
|
Lorrie Freeman
713-852-6821
|
Janette Cisneros
713-852-6832
*Asistencia para miembros de habla hispana
|
