What parents need to know about teen driving risks

Before your teen grabs the keys to the car, it's important to understand the unique risks they face on the road. Teen drivers are still building the experience and judgment that seasoned drivers take for granted. This can make everyday driving situations more dangerous than they seem. Knowing the key risk factors can help parents and guardians set safer expectations, offer better guidance, and ultimately keep their teens safer behind the wheel.

Why teens face higher driving risks

There are a number of factors why teens are at higher risk of accidents when they sit in the driver’s seat. Here are some of the risk factors parents should be aware of. 

Inexperience and immaturity

Teen drivers (ages 16 to 19) are almost three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash per mile driven. Why? Primarily because teens are more inexperienced behind the wheel. Teens often struggle with recognizing and reacting to hazards, maintaining safe speeds, and anticipating the actions of other drivers. Their confidence may grow faster than their skills, leading to risky decisions behind the wheel.

Peer passengers and seasonal spikes

The presence of peer passengers significantly increases crash risk for teens. One study found that the likelihood of a fatal crash doubles when a teen driver has one peer passenger and quadruples with three or more. The risk escalates during the summer months—Memorial Day through Labor Day—dubbed the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers, when school is out and teens spend more time on the road.

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Nighttime driving

Night driving poses greater challenges due to reduced visibility and increased likelihood of fatigue. Teens driving between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. are involved in fatal crashes at a rate nearly three times higher than during daylight hours. Many states restrict nighttime driving for new drivers, but these restrictions aren't always enforced or followed.

Distracted driving and phone use

Distraction is a major contributor to teen crashes. Around 6 to 7% of fatal teen-driver crashes involve distracted driving, with cell phone use being a significant factor. Texting while driving can delay reaction time as much as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.

Not using seat belts

Seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective safety measures. Yet, more than half of teen drivers and passengers killed in crashes were not wearing them. It's important for parents to model and enforce consistent use for their kids.

Speeding, alcohol, and fatigue

Speeding contributes to about one-third of fatal crashes involving teen drivers, particularly among young males. Alcohol is another high-risk factor, with about 30% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were under the influence. Fatigue, often overlooked, can impair driving just like alcohol and is common due to teens' sleep patterns and busy schedules.

Vehicle safety and age

Older vehicles often lack essential safety features like electronic stability control, side airbags, and automatic emergency braking. Teens driving vehicles more than six years old are at a 19% higher fatality risk, which increases to 31% in cars over 15 years old. While often pricier, prioritizing newer, safer vehicles is a good idea.

Strengthening teen driver safety

It’s not impossible to make driving safer for your teen. Consider these tips before your teen takes the car out on the road next. 

Graduated driver licensing (GDL)

States with strong GDL programs have seen significant drops in teen crash fatalities. These programs typically include a learner's phase, intermediate stage with restrictions, and a full license phase. Key components like nighttime driving bans and limits on peer passengers are proven to reduce risk. You can find out more important information from the NHTSA or your local DMV.

Parental modeling and tech tools

Teens often mimic what they see. Parents who wear seat belts, stay off their phones, and follow speed limits set powerful examples. Apps and devices that monitor speed, location, and phone use can provide data-driven insights and allow for positive reinforcement. 

Parent-teen driving agreements

Creating a written agreement outlining driving rules and consequences can encourage safe habits. Topics might include curfews, seat belt use, no phone zones, and zero tolerance for alcohol. Regular check-ins reinforce accountability and open communication.

Supervised practice under varied conditions

Experience is key. Teens should log at least 70 hours of supervised driving, including at night, in poor weather, and on highways. Practice builds muscle memory and decision-making skills in diverse scenarios.

Modern training methods

Simulator training and hazard perception programs, such as RAPT, improve teens' ability to spot and react to dangers before they unfold. Many schools and online platforms now offer virtual reality or gamified driving challenges that enhance learning.

Safe vehicle selection and maintenance

When choosing a car for your teen, it’s important to prioritize safety features over looks. Yes, this generally means a pricier car than what you had as a teen, but it’s often the safer choice for your kids. Key features to look for include electronic stability control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Maintain the car regularly to ensure brakes, tires, and lights function properly.

Take the next step

Driving is a privilege—and a responsibility. Equip your teen with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to make safe decisions every time they drive. Encourage practice, model good behavior, and use tools that make your job easier.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

* Requires mobile data or a WiFi connection, and access to sensory and motion data from cell phone to utilize safety features including family location sharing and driving alerts and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.