How big is the problem?

According to the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.

In 2013, 2,163 teens in the United States ages 16–19 were killed and 243,243 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes. That means that six teens ages 16–19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries.

Young people ages 15-24 represent only 14% of the U.S. population. However, they account for 30% ($19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28% ($17 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females as per the CDC. That’s a whopping 58% of the cost of motor vehicle injuries are attributed to teen drivers.

Fortunately, teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable, and proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers on the road. The most important thing we can do for our teens is give them the tools needed to survive.