[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The data do not lie: teenagers are bad drivers when compared to every other age group. There are several reasons for why teens are the worst drivers, but the primary factor is inexperience. Teenagers are new to driving and have yet to learn how to identify dangerous situations while on the road. Inexperience can also cause teen drivers to react incorrectly or make poor decisions when a dangerous situation occurs. Driving inexperience and other risk factors commonly associated with the "adolescent illusion of invincibility" can explain why teenage drivers are nearly three times more likely than other age groups to be killed in a car crash.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies eight danger zones for teen drivers, with each danger zone being a leading cause of car crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The CDC recommends that parents teach these leading causes to new teen drivers to reinforce good driving behavior. Those leading eight causes are
- Driver inexperience
- Driving with teenaged passengers
- Driving at night
- Driving without the use of a seat belt
- Driving distracted
- Driving while tired
- Reckless driving
- Driving while inebriated
- The dangers of drunk driving - just say no.
- The dangers of drowsy driving - just say no as well.
- How to minimize distractions - put the phone away and limit passengers.
- Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists - there are more people on the roads than other drivers.
- Defensive driving - protect yourself by protecting others.
- Adverse road conditions - driving at night, bad weather, and rough roads require slower speeds.
- What to do if a car accident happens - even the best drivers get into car accidents.
