Teenage drivers have the highest crash risk of any age group. The problem is worst among 16 year-olds, who have the most limited driving experience and an immaturity that often results in risk-taking behind the wheel.
Driver error: Compared with older drivers’ fatal crashes, those of 16 year-olds more often involve driver error.
Speeding: Sixteen-year-old drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes in which excessive speed is a factor.
Single-vehicle crashes: More of 16 year-olds’ fatal crashes involve only the teen’s vehicle. Typically these are high-speed crashes in which the driver lost control.
Passengers: Sixteen year-olds’ fatal crashes are more likely to occur when other teenagers are in the car. The risk increases with every additional passenger.
Alcohol: Although this is a problem among drivers of all ages, it’s actually less of a problem for 16 year-olds. Typically, less than 15 percent of fatally injured 16-year-old drivers have blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 percent or more, but alcohol quickly becomes a problem in later teen years.
Night driving: This is a high-risk activity for beginners. Per mile driven, the nighttime fatal crash rate for 16 year olds is about twice as high as during the day.
Low belt use: Teenagers generally are less likely than adults to use safety belts.