You are more likely to encounter teenage drivers during the summertime when school is out, and there are many reasons why this should concern you. Teenagers lack the experience behind the wheel that older drivers have, and new research shows that they are also taking an alarming number of risks while on the road.
Per AAA, teen drivers face a higher risk of crashing than older motorists. While their lack of experience is partly to blame, so, too, is the fact that almost three-quarters of them admit to engaging in one or more reckless and dangerous behaviors while at their vehicles’ controls. What types of risks are today’s teen drivers taking that threaten you and anyone else they come across?
Speeding and red-light running statistics
Speeding is dangerous when anyone does it. When the people speeding lack the experience that may otherwise help them avoid crashes, though, the behavior becomes even more of a threat to others. A recent study involving teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 showed that almost half of them admitted to speeding more than 10 mph over the limit in a residential area within the past 30 days. Another 40% of them acknowledged traveling more than 15 mph over the limit on a highway within the past 30 days.
Running red lights is another dangerous driving behavior that is common among teenage motorists. More than 30% admit to blowing a red light within the past 30 days.
Other reckless behaviors common among teens
Teenagers are also prone to aggressive driving and drowsy driving. More than 30% of today’s teens admit that they have driven aggressively within the past month. Drowsy driving, which, according to some accounts, is as dangerous as driving while under the influence, is also common among members of this age group, with a quarter of teen motorists admitting to doing it.
