Is Teen Driving Safe or Not?

Teen driving has long been a concern across the nation. Statistics show that teens carry the greatest risk for traffic crashes, with road accidents being the leading cause of death for teenagers. While the number of teen deaths from traffic accidents has declined since the 1970s, the fatality rate remains significantly higher compared to that of other age groups.

Males and females aged 16 to 19 years of age are more likely to commit traffic violations than any other age group. These violations often lead to crashes. The fatal crash rate per mile for this age group is about three times the rate for those aged 20 and older. As a Police Sergeant in the Patrol Division, my professional opinion is that it is extremely unsafe.

Crashes Compared to Older Drivers

It is less safe than older people driving. Drivers aged 16-19 have crash involvements about five times higher per mile than those in the safest group, aged 30-59. According to the latest data from the April 2001–March 2002 period, fatal passenger vehicle crash involvements per 100 million miles traveled by driver age and gender provides a clear picture of the increased risk associated with young drivers.

Who Are Better Drivers: Men or Women?

When it comes to driving skills, both men and women play a significant role. However, men are more prone to driving violations, which often lead to accidents. Females, on the other hand, may be better in terms of avoiding certain types of infractions, which can significantly reduce the risk of crashes. This gender difference in driving habits and crash involvement is a crucial factor to consider.

My professional opinion as a Police Sergeant is that a much longer period of adult supervision is necessary. I advocate for 12 months of close adult supervision, followed by a 12-month period with no non-family passengers in the car. Additionally, there should be strict rules against the use of cell phones, including calls and text messages, as well as eating, reading, or applying makeup until age 18. These habits can cause significant distractions and increase the risk of accidents.

Our youth need to understand the responsibility of driving. Operating a 2500-pound vehicle is a serious task for which there is a fast response time. This is a skill that takes time and practice to learn, and it is crucial to avoid the added difficulties of distractions that often occur while driving.

By advocating for these driving milestones and safety measures, we can help ensure that teenagers gain the necessary experience and confidence to drive safely on the roads. It is a step toward reducing the number of accidents and saving lives.