teen driver accident statistics
Keeping Teen Drivers Safe on Oklahoma’s Roads
Teen drivers are more susceptible to being involved in a car accident in Oklahoma than other drivers for a few different reasons. Inexperience and immaturity combined with alcohol, infrequent use of seat belts, or speeding can lead to serious or even fatal injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created a multi-tiered strategy to help reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes and fatalities among teen drivers, which consists of increasing seat belt use, implementing a graduated driver licensing program, educating parents on their responsibilities on helping their teen form safe driving habits, and reducing access to alcohol.
The NHTSA reports that teens are involved in three times as many car crashes as other drivers. Statistics show that one of the leading causes of death for teens is auto accidents at 35 percent. Distracted driving, which often involves the use of cell phones, adjusting car radios, talking with other vehicle occupants, drowsy driving, and drug use contribute heavily to teen fatalities in car accidents.
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