iMOM

News you need to know about Teen Road Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, nine teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash. Fortunately, teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable, and proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers on the road.

How big is the problem?

In 2008, about 3,500 teens in the United States aged 15–19 were killed and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor-vehicle crashes.1,2

Young people ages 15-24 represent only 14% of the U.S. population. However, they account for 30% ($19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28% ($7 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females.

Who is most at risk?

The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.4

Among teen drivers, those at especially high risk for motor vehicle crashes are:

Males: In 2006, the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 was almost two times that of their female counterparts.
Teens driving with teen passengers: The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with the number of teen passengers.
Newly licensed teens: Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.

What can you do as a parent to ensure that your teen stays safe on the road?

Every child gets excited about getting a license but moms usually have a hard time sharing that excitement. Anxiety is probably our primary emotion and it's justifiable. Driving is a wonderful step toward independence for a teenager but it does not come without danger. In 2008, car crashes killed nearly 3,500 teenagers in the United States, and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency rooms for driving related injuries.

The risk factors are higher for boys, newly licensed teens and teenagers driving with teen passengers. So before your child hits the streets talk with them about safety. The iMOM Teen Driving Contract will assist you in reviewing safe driving precautions and the consequences if those precautions are not met. It may not relieve all the anxiety you feel when your children are driving, but knowing you have thoroughly discussed and agreed upon safe driving practices should provide some comfort.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet"

The information provided in this article by the CDC is news that iMOM thinks you need to know. Recommendations are the opinions of the CDC and not necessarily those of iMOM. Medical information within this site is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of any health condition. Please consult a licensed health care professional for the treatment or diagnosis of any medical condition.