Teen Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens. About seven teens aged 13–19 die every day from motor vehicle crash injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers aged 16–19 are nearly three times as likely as drivers aged 20 or older to be in a fatal crash.
The good news is that teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable. We know proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers on the road.
CDC’s GDL Planning Guide is designed to assist states to assess, develop, and implement actionable plans to strengthen graduated driver licensing practices.
- Transportation Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019
- Graduated Driver Licensing Night Driving Restrictions and Drivers Aged 16 or 17 Years Involved in Fatal Night Crashes — United States, 2009–2014
- Driving Among High School Students — United States, 2013
Learn more about how to keep teen drivers safe by reading CDC’s Feature article about Crash and Injury Risks for Teen Drivers.
Parents, pediatricians, and communities can find more information on how to keep teens safe on the road at the Parents Are the Key website. There you can download a free Parent-Teen Driving Agreement and other free materials.