Young Drivers
Education is the key to combating inexperience on the road. Learn the risks young driver’s face behind the wheel, and the laws in place to help them gain experience.
We urge all parents to familiarize themselves with the risks associated with young, inexperienced drivers. Parents have the responsibility to educate their young drivers about the dangers on the road and promote safe practices. Don’t forgot the importance of defensive driving.
Facts to Know
- Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens.
- In 2019, almost 2,400 teens in the United States were killed, and about 258,000 were treated for injuries suffered in crashes.
- Young drivers are involved in fatal traffic crashes at over twice the rate as the rest of the population.
- Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving at an unsafe speed is the most common error in fatal accidents.
- About 24% of crashes killing young drivers involve alcohol.
- It is illegal in every state for a person under 21 to buy and/or publicly possess alcoholic beverages.
Graduated Licensing Saves Lives
- Inexperience is a leading factor in traffic crashes involving youth. The Graduated Licensing System ensures that young drivers accumulate driving experience under controlled circumstances.
- Graduated licensing includes three steps: Learner, Provisional (Intermediate), and Full Licensure (Unrestricted). Learn about the Graduated licenses laws by state.
- Each of these steps includes certain restrictions tied to the permit, such as:
- The use of alcohol (zero tolerance)
- Nighttime driving
- Teenage passengers
- All occupants must wear safety belts
- Permit holder must remain crash and conviction free for a certain amount of time, etc.
We urge all parents to familiarize themselves with the risks associated with young, inexperienced drivers. Parents have the responsibility to educate their young drivers about the dangers on the road and promote safe practices. Don’t forgot the importance of defensive driving.