Teen Drivers Are at Risk for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Motor vehicle crashes bring a deadly risk for traumatic brain injury in today's teens. They are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.

Who's at risk for crashes?

Teenagers between 16 to 19 years old make up the highest risk group for crashes. Most teen crashes and fatalities occur at night and during Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

• Risk is particularly high during the first year that teens are able to drive.

• Unsupervised teen drivers with teen passengers in the car increase the crash risk even more.

• Teens drinking alcohol increase the danger of car crashes; 26% of male teens involved in crashes are likely to be drinking alcohol.
  

Common mistakes teen drivers make

• Underestimate dangerous situations or do not recognize a hazardous situation.
• Teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use.
• More likely to speed and allow shorter distance between vehicles.
  

How to reduce risks of teen motor vehicle crashes

Sadly, one out of three teenagers dies in motor vehicle crashes - it's the leading cause of death for this age group. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Teen crashes are preventable. Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) programs help reduce fatal and injury crashes up to 40%.

• GDL programs delay full licensure while allowing teens to get their initial experience while under the supervision of an experienced mentor under low-risk conditions.
• Parents should learn GDL laws and enforce them to keep their teen safe.
• Parents and teens should consider a driving contract. http://www.cdc.gov/ParentsAreThe Key/pdf/Driving_Contract.pdf
  

For more information on TBI, please contact us at (262) 928-8200, option 2.