According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car collisions are the leading cause of death for teens in our nation. The agency also reported that teen drivers aged 16 to 19 have a fatal crash rate that is almost three times as high as adult drivers (per mile driven).
To help protect your child from the common risks on the road, here are three risky habits that lead to most teen driving accidents and fatalities in South Dakota:
Speeding
One of the most common types of bad driving behaviors in teens is speeding. According to data from the state’s 2024 Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Summary, there were 44.6% crash-involved speeding drivers aged 24 and under.
When someone drives their car at a high speed, it lessens their ability to hit the brake at the required stopping distance, increasing their chances of crashing with the vehicle/s in front of them.
Even if the roads may seem empty, teen drivers must still follow traffic laws and drive their cars within the speed limits.
Neglecting seat belt use
Teen drivers are more likely to neglect proper seat belt usage when compared to their adult counterparts. Aside from this, their lack of experience may also cause them to make critical mistakes on the road.
For instance, when a teen drives their car without wearing their seat belt and is later involved in a high-speed collision, the impact of the crash can cause them to be ejected from their seat and suffer from severe injuries, coma or death.
Drunk driving
Even though it is illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to drive after drinking alcohol, a 2020 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that 29% of young drivers who were involved in fatal accidents had alcohol in their system.
When a teen drives their car while they are drunk, their alcohol impairment can affect their coordination skills and judgment. This not only puts their own life at risk but also endangers the safety of other drivers on the road.
In South Dakota, the penalties for underage drunk driving can result in a 30-day suspension of their driver’s license for a first offense. Under certain circumstances, the courts may also impose additional fines.
Information is a powerful tool
By learning about the common risky teen driving habits in South Dakota, you can educate your child and naturally persuade them to drive more cautiously while they are out on the road.