When it comes to teen drivers, the statistics are startling. Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash as a result of their inexperience and likelihood to engage in risky driving behaviors.
It is important to remember that driving is a privilege and your first responsibility as an adult.
The following facts are something that all teens should be aware of as they prepare to take the wheel:
- Almost 6,000 teens die in car crashes annually and 300,000 teens are injured in car crashes each year.
- Car crashes are the number one cause of death for teens nationwide. Arizona is no exception. Over 100 teens are killed on the road each year in Arizona.
- Arizona crashes involving teen drivers kill other people more often than the teen drivers themselves. In fact:
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A teen's risk of crashing doubles between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
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Forty-one percent of fatal crashes involving teenagers occur at nighttime.
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Fifty-four percent of motor vehicle crash deaths among teenagers in 2006 occurred on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
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July and August are two of the most dangerous months for teen drivers – as teens are out of school and typically spend more time behind the wheel.
- Between 1995 and 2004, crashes involving teen drivers claimed 30,917 lives across the nation. In Arizona, over 700 lives were lost.
- Sixteen-year-old drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as older drivers.
- One out of five teens will be involved in a crash in their first year of driving.
- Teens are three times more likely to crash in their first 1000 miles of driving.
- Top reasons teens crash:
- Inexperience.
- Inattention/Distraction.
- Poor visual search habits.
- Speed Management.
- Space Management.
- Bad habits.
- Driving while impaired.
- Aggressive/risky driving behaviors.
- Emotions.
- Fatigue. (Younger male drivers are more likely to be affected.)
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