Young drivers are disproportionately likely to end up in a crash. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that “the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16–19 than among any other age group.” Beyond that, drivers in their early twenties (20 to 24) are the second most likely age group to be involved in crashes. Within this article, our Wisconsin car accident lawyer explains why young drivers can be so dangerous.
The numbers behind this problem are hard to ignore. In 2024, 2,899 teenagers died from crash injuries across the United States. Novice teen drivers are about twice as likely to be in fatal crashes as more seasoned drivers.
1. Inexperience
Safe driving is not second nature. Practice is important. A young driver who has not had much practice behind the wheel is vulnerable to being involved in a crash. Indeed, the single most prominent factor behind the fact that young drivers are more likely to crash is lack of inexperience. Inexperience can be risky for a number of different reasons. Without years of practice, young drivers may struggle with judging distances, reacting quickly to sudden hazards, and adapting to adverse weather conditions or other types of road hazards. Further, a young driver’s limited exposure to different driving situations increases the likelihood of mistakes.
New drivers often misjudge stopping distances and changing road conditions. A gap that looks safe to a teen may be far too tight in the rain or on ice. This is one reason inexperience hurts their ability to spot potential hazards and react in time.
Timing makes the danger worse at the start. The first months of licensure are the highest-risk stretch a young driver will ever face. Once teenagers begin driving on their own, every new situation is one they have never handled before.
2. Distractibility
Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Of course, any motorist could be distracted while behind the wheel. With that being said, younger drivers are especially susceptible to distractions, including from such as smartphones, music, and even conversations with passengers. Texting or using social media while driving is especially dangerous. It is a big problem for young drivers. Brief moments of inattention can result in accidents—even at relatively modest speeds. It is imperative that young drivers avoid distracted driving. It can result in devastating accidents.
The phone in a teen’s hand is the biggest threat of all. Texting while driving raises crash risk by about 23 times, and even dialing a number raises it by around six times. Distractions from both technology and passengers are a major risk for young drivers.
Survey data shows how common this habit has become. Roughly one in three teens admits to texting while driving, and in 2019, about 39% of high school students said they had done it. Those few seconds with eyes off the road are enough to cause serious harm.
Safety Tip: Parents of teenagers should make sure that they never use their cell phone while behind the wheel. It is one of the best steps that they can take to reduce the risk of a crash.
3. Propensity to Speed
Speeding is another one of the most common reasons why young drivers end up in bad accidents. Speed increases the risk of—and potentially the severity of—a crash. It is imperative that all drivers, but especially young drivers with limited experience, avoid speeding. The reality is that many young drivers have a higher tendency to speed due to a mix of excitement, impatience, and a lack of understanding of speed-related risks. Without the experience to handle high-speed situations, they are at a greater risk of losing control of their vehicle.
Recent data backs up how often speed plays a role. In 2024, speeding was a factor in about 33% of teen crashes. That speeding behavior turns a small mistake into a violent, high-energy collision.
Note: Young male drivers are at an especially high risk of speeding and engaging in other types of reckless, dangerous driving behavior.
4. Poor Decision-Making
Research shows that people do not truly reach full emotional maturity until they are in their mid-20’s. It is an issue because it means that some young drivers lack strong decision-making skills. While any driver could make a bad (risky) decision while behind the wheel, younger drivers do so at a higher rate. Young drivers often make impulsive decisions behind the wheel, misjudging traffic situations or overestimating their driving skills. Their lack of experience contributes to risky choices, such as abrupt lane changes, running yellow lights, or tailgating. Poor decision-making can lead to avoidable accidents.
There is a biological reason behind these choices. The part of the brain that controls impulse control and judgment is still developing in the teen years. That development directly affects how a young driver weighs risk in the moment.
5. Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is another serious safety hazard for young drivers. A study cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that teenage drivers are at a significantly higher rate of being involved in a crash when their friends are with them in the vehicle. Many states—including Wisconsin and Minnesota—have developed a comprehensive graduated licensing program to address this risk. When a teenager first gets his or her license, they are generally restricted from driving other young people around. Parents may want to impose additional limitations.
The link between passengers and crashes is well documented. Teen passengers raise the crash risk for a young driver, and each extra friend in the car adds to it. A quiet, focused car is a far safer car for a new driver.
The Danger of Nighttime Driving for Teens
Darkness makes every other risk on this list worse. Night driving cuts visibility and adds fatigue, both of which hit young drivers harder than adult drivers. Young drivers are also more likely to be on the road late at night.
Fatigue is a quiet but deadly factor after dark. In 2024, drowsy driving claimed 644 lives among teens across the country. A tired driver reacts slowly and may not see a hazard until it is too late.
Pedestrians face added danger during these hours too. Most pedestrian-related accidents happen at night, when drivers struggle to see people near the road. For an inexperienced teen, spotting a walker in low light is even harder.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Underage Driving
Even small amounts of alcohol are dangerous for a young, unpracticed driver. In 2024, about 34% of fatally injured teen drivers had positive blood alcohol concentrations. Roughly 22% of 15- to 18-year-old drivers in fatal crashes had been drinking that same year.
Wisconsin does not tolerate any drinking and driving for those under 21. The state has a zero-tolerance law, so a teen can be charged with any measurable BAC, well below the adult legal limit. This underage BAC limit exists because impaired driving and inexperience are a deadly mix.
Drugs add another layer to the problem. In a 2020 survey, nearly half of teens admitted to driving under the influence of marijuana at some point. Any illicit drug can slow reaction time and cloud judgment just as alcohol does.
How Graduated Driver Licensing Helps
Graduated driver licensing, or GDL, is designed to ease teens into driving slowly. These laws phase in full privileges over three stages instead of all at once. The goal is to build real experience before a teen faces the riskiest situations alone.
Each stage removes a training wheel a little at a time. A learner permit requires supervision, an intermediate license limits night driving and teen passengers, and a full license comes last. This slow path to unsupervised driving gives new drivers time to sharpen their skills.
Numerous studies show these programs save lives. States with strong GDL laws see fewer teen crashes and fewer fatal crashes among young people. Parents can add their own house rules on top of the state requirements for even more protection.
Local Driving Risks in Eau Claire and Western Wisconsin
Young drivers in the Eau Claire area face challenges tied to where they live. Local traffic patterns, rural highways, and busy seasonal roads all test an inexperienced driver. Eau Claire County has its own mix of risks shaped by these local conditions.
Wisconsin weather is one of the biggest hurdles of all. Snow, ice, and heavy rain create road conditions that even experienced drivers respect. A teen who has never driven through a bad winter storm is at a real disadvantage.
These conditions demand extra caution and extra practice. Parents can help by riding along during storms and on unfamiliar roads. Building that experience close to home makes a young driver safer everywhere they go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Young Drivers and Crash Risk
At what age are drivers most likely to crash?
Teens ages 16 to 19 have the highest crash risk of any age group, according to the CDC. Drivers in their early twenties come in second, so the danger does not vanish the moment a teen turns 20. The main reason is a simple lack of experience behind the wheel that only time and practice can fix.
Why are teen drivers more dangerous than older drivers?
Teen drivers combine inexperience with a brain that is still developing impulse control. They are more likely to speed, get distracted, and misjudge road conditions than older drivers. Peer passengers and night driving push their crash risk even higher.
Does texting really make young drivers more likely to crash?
Yes, and the effect is dramatic. Texting while driving raises crash risk by about 23 times, since it takes a driver’s eyes, hands, and attention off the road at once. About 39% of high school students admitted to texting behind the wheel in one 2019 survey, which shows how common the habit is.
How does graduated driver licensing reduce teen crashes?
Graduated driver licensing eases new drivers into full privileges through three stages instead of all at once. Early stages limit night driving and teen passengers, which removes two of the biggest risk factors while a teen builds experience. States with strong GDL laws consistently see fewer fatal crashes among young drivers.
What can parents do to keep young drivers safe?
Parents can set clear rules about phones, passengers, and nighttime driving from day one. Practicing together in rain, snow, and heavy traffic helps a teen learn to handle tough road conditions. Modeling safe driving and always wearing a seat belt sends a message that sticks.
Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler Fights for Justice for Victims and Families
Hurt in a car crash in Wisconsin? You need a top-tier advocate on your side. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we provide personalized, justice-focused representation to injured victims and their families. Our firm has the experience to handle all types of young driver accident claims—whether you were hit by a teen or your teenager was involved in a collision. With millions in compensation secured for injured victims, our history of verdicts and settlements tells the story best. You may be eligible to recover compensation for automotive repairs, medical bills, long-term medical costs, loss of wages, pain and suffering, mental distress, and physical impairment.
Contact Our Wisconsin Auto Accident Attorneys for a Free Review of Your Case
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin auto accident attorneys are strong, experienced advocates for the injured and the disabled. It is our mission to help clients secure the absolute maximum compensation after a bad traffic collision. Give us a phone call now or connect with us directly online for a no-cost, no-obligation initial case review. With offices in Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Onalaska, we represent injured victims throughout the region in Minnesota and Wisconsin.