Do Teenagers Cause More Car Accidents Than Adults?

Getting a driver’s license is one of the most exciting milestones in a teenager’s life. For many teens, a car (or driver’s license) symbolizes independence from their parents and the freedom to do as they please. In addition to being an exciting opportunity, driving also poses a significant risk for teens, one that can potentially result in serious injury, even death. Regarding car accident statistics in general, however, many people wonder — “Who causes more car accidents, teenagers or adults?” Here, we’re going to use past studies to answer that question.

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Teenager vs. Adult Car Accident Statistics

When it comes down to it, the numbers don’t lie. Teenagers are involved in more accidents than adults. Here are a few statistics regarding the severity of teenage car accidents:

  • Teenagers are 3 times more likely to crash than drivers over the age of 20
  • More than 2,500 teens are killed every year in car accidents
  • More than 200,000 teens are injured every year in car accidents

According to research conducted by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, although teenagers caused more accidents than adults, accidents caused by adults were more severe. Here are a few statistics regarding car accidents caused by adults:

  • Older adults cause 7.5% of car accidents every year
  • Car accidents are more common for adults over the age of 75
  • Adult men cause 6.1 million car accidents per year and adult women cause 4.4. million

The number of accidents caused by teenagers is a cause for concern for many parents and families across the United States. A growing number of states, including New York, have created laws to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries each year.

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Teenage driver and her mother right before getting in a car accident.

What Are New York’s Teen Driving Laws?

To prevent teen driving deaths, every state has enlisted graduated driver’s licensing programs. In the state of New York, the graduated driver’s program incorporates a junior driver’s permit and a junior driver’s license.

Junior driver’s permit: Available to teens between 16-18 years old and allows teenage drivers to drive anywhere with adult supervision.

Junior driver’s license: Available to teens between 16-18 years old and allows teenage drivers to drive without adult supervision but with restrictions.

Senior driver’s license: Available to teens over 17 years of age and enables teens to all driving rights and privileges.

Across New York, teen driving restrictions also vary by the region where the teens live. The law is different for teens in each of these areas:

  • New York City
  • Upstate New York
  • Long Island

Teen drivers who are caught not following the rules of their driving permit or driver’s license are subject to penalties including license suspension or revocation.

Preventing Teenage Car Accidents in New York

Although there are laws in place to help prevent car accidents caused by teenagers in New York, it’s still important for young drivers to do their part. Experts and organizations recommend that parents create rules around teen drivers, such as:

  • Only one passenger in the vehicle
  • No driving after dark
  • Only drive in areas the teen driver is familiar with

In addition to parent-enforced rules, teen drivers and passengers can also prevent accidents with responsible actions including:

  • No texting while driving
  • Do not change the radio station while driving
  • Always obey the speed limit and the rules of the road

The best way to help prevent teenage accidents is for teens to understand the risks associated with getting behind the wheel of a car.

woman texting and driving in a car during the day
woman texting and driving in a car during the day

Preventing Teenage Car Accidents in New York

Although there are laws in place to help prevent car accidents caused by teenagers in New York, it’s still important for young drivers to do their part. Experts and organizations recommend that parents create rules around teen drivers, such as:

  • Only one passenger in the vehicle
  • No driving after dark
  • Only drive in areas the teen driver is familiar with

In addition to parent-enforced rules, teen drivers and passengers can also prevent accidents with responsible actions including:

  • No texting while driving
  • Do not change the radio station while driving
  • Always obey the speed limit and the rules of the road

The best way to help prevent teenage accidents is for teens to understand the risks associated with getting behind the wheel of a car.

What to Do If Your Teenager Is Injured In a Car Accident

If your teenager has been involved in a car accident, it’s difficult to immediately know the proper course of action. A knowledgeable car accident attorney is the best resource and can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process.

In New York, the attorney team at The Barnes Firm is available to answer all your car accident-related questions. To learn more about the legal actions you can take following a car accident, contact The Barnes Firm to speak with an experienced lawyer.

The Barnes Firm  (800) 800-0000

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