Minnesota parents might spend years dreading the day when their teenager gets behind the wheel for the first time, and for good reason. For years the data has suggested that motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens.
However, that doesn’t mean that any teen who gets behind the wheel or in a car will get into an accident. Most motor vehicle accidents are preventable.
Why are teenagers at a higher risk of car crashes?
It’s a known fact that the risk of motor vehicle accidents is higher among teenagers between the ages of 16-19. This is because at this age, teenagers are fresh drivers who are still learning how to recognize and handle dangerous road conditions.
Because of that, car crash risk is really high in the first few months of being licensed. However, it’s not uncommon for car accidents to happen within the first year or two of a teenager having their license.
This is because as the teen gets comfortable driving, they might start to relax more and get overconfident. This can cause them to engage in risky behavior, such as speeding or using their cell phone while driving.
Other facts about teen drivers
In general, male teenagers are more likely to get into an accident than female drivers. And teenagers who drive with other teenagers or young adults in the car are more likely to get into accidents due to distracted driving.
How to prevent accidents?
Teenagers who are consistently obeying traffic laws, trying to learn from their experiences so far and practicing safe driving are far less likely to get into an accident. Consistently practicing safe driving etiquette and teaching your child about different driving conditions can help keep them on their toes and out of accidents.