Car Crashes Are #1 Teen Killer in Texas
Teen Car Crash Statistics








Parents May Not Realize the Risks

Driver inexperience –
Teen drivers are more likely to underestimate or be unable to recognize dangerous situations. They are also more likely to make critical decision errors that result in serious crashes.
Driving with teen passengers –
The risk of a car crash increases with the presence of a teen passenger and continues to increase along with the number of teen passengers.
Nighttime driving –
40 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths among teen drivers and passengers occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Not wearing seat belts –
The Texas Department of Transportation reports that more than 42 percent of Texas teens killed in motor vehicle accidents in a recent year were not wearing seat belts. Teens and young adults have the lowest seat belt use rate. 43.1 percent of U.S. high school students reported in a survey that they did not always wear a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else.
Distracted driving –
39 percent of surveyed teen drivers admitted they texted or emailed while driving at least once during the last 30 days.
Drowsy driving –
Teen drivers might not be able to recognize signs of drowsy driving.
Reckless driving –
Teens are more likely to speed and allow less distance between their vehicles and others.
Impaired driving –
Impaired teen drivers have a much higher risk of being involved in a car crash than older drivers.
Graduated Driver License Programs
Make Teens Safer




Resources for Teen Drivers

You can find plenty of information on safe driving practices at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Texas also has an 8-part video series called IMPACT Texas Teen Drivers that is required for all applicants who have taken a Teen Driver Education Course. TeenDriving.AAA.com has various tools to help parents and teen drivers understand and prepare for the risks of teen driving.
Practicing with your teen driver can also help make your teen better prepared for the road. Practice driving in riskier conditions, such as high-speed roads, bad weather, and during the night to develop their skills.