Teen Drivers Four Times More Likely to Crash
By Lori Chudzik, RN | New Britain Health District at February 24, 2024 | 8:30 am | Print
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. In 2009, eight teens ages 16-19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16-19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash. In 2009, approximately 3,000 teens died and more than 350,000 were treated in the emergency room from auto related injuries.
Here is a review of the current Connecticut State law regarding newly licensed teenage drivers; age 16-17. There is a curfew from 11 p.m.-5 a.m. unless the teen is traveling for employment, school, religious activities or medical necessity. During the first 6 months the newly licensed driver may not have any passengers in the vehicle except for parents or legal guardian licensed driving instructor or one person who is providing instruction that is at least 20 yrs old and having a valid license for 4 years. During the next 6 months, the only additional passengers allowed in the car are members of the driver’s immediate family.
Per the CDC, males were almost two times more at risk than female teenagers. The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk as well as drivers within the first year of licensure. Parents and teens both have a responsibility to take control of their own safety behind the wheel. If your teen will soon be learning how to drive, select a quality driving school and learn your state licensing laws. According to AAA, taking your eyes off the road for 2 seconds doubles your risk of getting into a crash and the risk quadruples when talking on the cell phone. Hands free is NOT risk free. Teens are prohibited from using any hand-held devices while behind the wheel. Teens surveyed also reported the lowest rate of seat belt use.
Various studies have shown that a teenager’s brain development evolves over time and decision-making functions do not fully develop until 25 years of age. An important role of parents is to provide their teenagers with as much supervised driving as possible and strictly enforce the rules of the road.
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has a website for parents and teens concerning the laws, restrictions and training information: www.ct.gov/teendriving. Your local AAA also can provide you with information and helpful hints for purchasing your teen’s first car and safety tips.
The good news is that young drivers involved in fatal crashes are actually on a downward trend. The Center for Disease Control reports that from 1996-2008 the national rate fell approximately 38 percent and graduated driver licensing programs are credited. Connecticut enacted these tough new laws in August 2008.
