Teen Driver Safety Week 2024: keeping your teenager safe behind the wheel

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Based on miles driven, teenage drivers are involved in nearly three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. And everyone is at risk – nearly two-thirds of people injured or killed in a crash involving a teen driver is someone other than the driver.

“There are several risk factors that make driving so much more concerning for teenagers. The first is inexperience,” AAA Hoosier Motor Club Spokesperson Christina Griffiths said. “Crash rates of newly licensed teen drivers decrease by more than half over their first four years of driving. As teens mature and continue gaining experience behind the wheel, they’re learning to better anticipate and avoid potential hazards on the road.”

Nighttime driving is also more difficult for teenagers because of their inexperience. In some areas, nighttime driving restrictions are in place for teenagers, which have reduced crashes among teens.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one of the top reasons for crashes in drivers 16 to 19 years old was cell phone use. One in three teens who text have admitted to doing so behind the wheel. Another major cause: other teenage passengers, who can be a distraction.

“The fatal crash rate increases by 44 percent when teen drivers have a single teen passenger in their vehicle with them,” Griffiths said. “Having two passengers under the age of 21 doubles the risk, and three or more quadruples their risk. However, when driving with an adult passenger, their risk of experiencing a deadly crash significantly decreases.”

Thankfully, there are things parents and guardians can do to help keep your teen safer behind the wheel. Pay close attention to your own driving – make sure you’re staying safe and distraction-free to set a good example. Consider having your teen avoid driving after 9 p.m. during the first year of driving until they gain more experience, and evaluate your teen’s readiness yourself to determine if they’re ready to drive more.

Make sure you use a quality driver’s education program, which you can find on the AAA Approved Driving School webpage. AAA Hoosier Motor Club also offers online driving programs to help improve driving skills for any level experience, and teens who complete the program can receive a free year of AAA membership.

About AAA Hoosier Motor Club
Since its creation in 1902, AAA has become one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA Hoosier Motor Club provides roadside assistance, travel services, exclusive member discounts and benefits, and trusted financial and insurance services to nearly 400,000 Hoosiers. To learn more about AAA Hoosier Motor Club offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.