Prevalence of Crashes, Deaths & Injuries for Youth
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 2,116 drivers aged 15- to 20-years-old and 203,256 were injured in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) in 2021.1 The impact of driving fatalities, injuries, and involvement in crashes for youth continue to be a staggering issue for youth.
- MVCs are the leading cause of death for teens.2
- Approximately 2 of every 3 deaths as a result of MVCs among teens occur in males, though between 1975 and 2021, the rate of teenage MVC deaths decreased more among males (70%) than females (60%).3
- 2,150 youth between the ages of 13 to 19 died in MVCs in 2016. Of those killed, 1,207 were driving and 930 were passengers.4
- Eight percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were young drivers between 15 and 20 years old, yet this age group represented only 5 percent of all licensed drivers.5
- Fifty-six percent of teens killed while a passenger in an MVC during 2021 were in a vehicle driven by another teenager, and thirteen percent of all passengers of any age were killed when a teenager was driving.6
Resources
Parents Are the Key
This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s campaign provides resources and information for parents about teen driving and what they can do to help their teen become a safe driver.
Teen Drivers
This CDC website provides fact sheets, research and activities, and blogs related to teen driver safety.
Teen Driving
This NHTSA website provides information, talking points, media tools, collateral materials, and various other marketing materials regarding a comprehensive approach to teen driver safety.