Teen Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.1 In 2010, seven teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.2
In the Spotlight: CDC Vital Signs
Teen Drinking and Driving, a Dangerous Mix
Nearly one million high school teens drank alcohol and got behind the wheel in 2011.
Some teens in high school drink and drive more than others (see figure at right).
Related Resources
Policy Impact: Teen Driver Safety
This brief features critical information on the tremendous toll that crashes among teen drivers take, as well as CDC’s recommendations for improving new driver safety.
Safe Teen Driving: A CDC Featured Topic
Resources for teen driver safety and learn proven steps that can help save young drivers’ lives.
Video: Parents Are The Key to Safe Teen Driving
This video offers information to help parents keep their teen drivers safer on the road.
Three Words I Love to Hear from My 16-Year-Old
A past CDC Injury Director talks about the challenges of being the parent of a teen driver.
Tools for Parents to Keep Young Drivers and Passengers Safe
Multimedia & Tools You Can Use
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [Online]. (2012). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (producer). [Cited 2012 Sept. 28].
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Fatality facts: teenagers 2010. Arlington (VA): The Institute; 2012 [cited 2012 Sept 28]. http://www.iihs.org/research/fatality.aspx?topicName=Teenagers&year=2010
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