On average, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 are injured at a much higher rate than other Illinois drivers. Parents and teens should be aware of teen driving statistics to understand certain risk factors among young drivers.
Key Takeaways
- Speeding contributed to 30% of fatal teen crashes in 2022, and crash risk is highest in the first months of driving, especially at night or with teen passengers.
- Despite the legal drinking age of 21, 22% of teen drivers in fatal crashes had been drinking, and even small amounts of alcohol significantly increase crash risk.
- Teens learn driving habits from their parents, so setting a good example and providing supervised practice helps build safe driving skills.
Teen Driving Statistics
Teen drivers face significant risks on the road, with thousands of lives lost each year due to preventable crashes. From distracted driving to speeding, various factors contribute to the high crash rates among teens. Understanding these dangers can help parents, policymakers, and young drivers make better decisions to improve road safety.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of teen-related crashes. In 2019, 39% of U.S. high school students who drove admitted to texting or emailing while driving at least once in the prior 30 days.
Since young drivers are still developing their skills, distractions such as cell phones, passengers, and in-car entertainment systems further impair their ability to react to road conditions. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.
Parents should educate teens on the dangers of distracted driving and provide methods for their improved safety, such as placing phones on do not disturb or keeping the music at a reasonable volume.
Speeding
Despite the legal drinking age being 21, underage drinking and driving remain a significant issue.
- In 2022, 22% of 15- to 18-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.
- Data from 2020 also showed that 29% of drivers aged 15–20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had consumed alcohol.
- Even at low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, teens face a much higher crash risk compared to older drivers.
- Alarmingly, 62% of teen drivers who died in alcohol-related crashes were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
These teen driving statistics highlight the need for stricter enforcement of zero-tolerance laws and increased awareness campaigns to discourage underage drinking and driving.
Drunk Driving
Speeding is another leading cause of fatal crashes among teen drivers. In 2022, speeding was a factor in 30% of fatal crashes involving passenger vehicle drivers aged 15-18. Historically, between 2000 and 2011, teens were involved in nearly 19,447 speeding-related crashes.
A teen’s ‘need for speed’ makes them more vulnerable to high-impact collisions. Male teen drivers are particularly at risk, with 35% of male drivers aged 15–20 involved in fatal crashes in 2020 speeding at the time of impact.
Addressing this issue requires education on the dangers of speeding, enforcement of graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems, and parental supervision.
Seat Belts
Wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to prevent fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, yet many teens neglect to buckle up.
- In 2022, 50% of teen drivers who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
- When an unbelted teen driver is involved in a fatal crash, 90% of the passengers who die are also unbuckled.
- 56% of teen drivers and passengers aged 16–19 who died in crashes in 2020 were not wearing seat belts.
- Additionally, 43.1% of high school students reported not always wearing a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else.
Encouraging consistent seat belt use is essential to reducing teen fatalities on the road.
Illinois Teen Driving Statistics
In 2023, 71 Illinois drivers aged 16-20 were killed due to drunk driving. Studies also show that Illinois drivers aged 16-20 are involved in a crash at a higher rate than other drivers.
Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or your teen driver is injured in an accident, you may have a path to justice. Consider contacting a Chicago car accident lawyer to understand your rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we treat every client with the dignity and respect they deserve. We fight hard to get you every penny you’re rightfully owed. For a FREE consultation, contact us today at (312) 600-6000. It’s free unless we win — that’s Larry’s guarantee!
