Crash risks faced by teen drivers

Driving is risky for teens heading out onto Illinois streets. When teenagers drive, their risk of an accident is eight times more likely within three months of getting a driver’s license. Statistics also show teenagers are safer drivers when they have a learner’s permit. But eventually, every teen wants the freedom to drive without adult supervision.

There are danger zones that lead to the most vehicle accidents for teens. Here are four of the danger zones that teen drivers face.

Inexperience behind the wheel

Many teen drivers overestimate their skills. Not only do they overestimate their driving ability, but they also fail to identify dangerous situations. This often leads teens to make bad decisions when behind the wheel.

Practice is the best way to overcome this teenage driving risk. Driver’s education and practice behind the wheel make driving safer for teens.

Driving while distracted by gadgets

Texting is one of the most common distractions teens face while driving. Taking your eyes off the road for even a second can cause a car accident. And the few seconds it takes to send a text is just long enough to result in a tragedy.

Driving with other teens in the vehicle

When a group of teens is in a vehicle, safety isn’t usually the main concern. Teens in a car are more likely to pay attention to each other instead of the road.

There’s also the possibility of peer pressure, with the driver being encouraged to engage in risky behavior. The more teens in the car, the higher the risk of a car accident.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports Illinois teens are 4.29% more likely to have used drugs in the last month when compared to other teens. And the combination of drug or alcohol use with driving is often tragic.

Some teens underestimate the risk of driving under the influence. When teens understand the severity of the action, they’re less likely to take the risk. It’s not possible to prevent all accidents, but awareness of the risks can help.