Crash risks increase when teens drive with teens

For many teenagers, getting a driver’s license marks an exciting milestone. However, this newfound independence can come with certain risks.

This is particularly true when teenage drivers have their peers as passengers.

Inexperience amplified

Teenagers are inherently inexperienced drivers. When they carry fellow teenage passengers, the inexperience of both the driver and the passengers can lead to increased distractions, compromising the safety of the journey.

Peer pressure

Teenagers often face peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors, and this pressure can extend to the driver’s seat. With teen passengers, drivers may be more likely to take risks, such as speeding or showing off their driving skills.

Distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents among teenagers. Teen passengers can be a significant source of distraction for other young drivers, as they engage in conversations, play music or use their phones. These distractions divert the driver’s attention from the road and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Lack of supervision

When teenagers transport other teenagers, there is often a lack of adult supervision. Adult passengers, with their experience and maturity, can help guide young drivers and maintain a safer driving environment. In contrast, peer passengers may not possess the skills or awareness to intervene in risky situations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the presence of other teenagers raises crash risks for teenage drivers and that the risk increases with each teenager in the vehicle. Crash rates for teens are especially high during the first months of driver’s licensure, suggesting that parents may want to set restrictions about exactly who their teen drivers can have in their cars and when.