Few things bring parents in Idaho a combined sense of pride and anxiety than a teen getting their driver’s license. On the one hand, their child will gain some independence and learn responsibility.
However, there is also the added expense of a second car and higher insurance rates. Parents may also be gripped with the fear that something will happen while their teen is behind the wheel.
The following stats aren’t intended to add to a parent’s concerns, but rather to highlight some of the issues that teen drivers in Idaho face. That will allow teens and their parents to be forewarned about possible dangers and take necessary precautions to avoid car accidents.
Teen driving stats kids and parents should know
Although teen drivers make up the smallest share of people on the road, they contribute to traffic accident injury and fatality statistics to an outsized degree.
According to information released by the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teens comprise about 4% of drivers on the road but account for four times as many crashes as other driver demographics.
Even in circumstances where teen drivers participate the least, such as drinking and driving, they are more likely than adults to crash when driving while intoxicated.
It seems that summer months are the most deadly for adolescent drivers. According to the same study, teens are more likely to become involved in a traffic collision from May – July.
The main contributors to teen driving accidents and injuries were:
- Driving while distracted
- Lack of seatbelt usage
- Texting and driving
- Driving while impaired
- Driving at night
No matter how well they do in driver’s ed, most teens still lack the maturity and experience that develops over time. However, by making them aware of the dangers of actions like texting while driving, you can hopefully prevent unnecessary, often avoidable, traffic collisions.