Your teen years are a time of major growth and change. As you become more independent, you’re developing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everyone goes through these changes, and they play a big role in how we make decisions, take on new challenges, and interact with the world around us. At the Injury Prevention Center of Dartmouth Health, we understand that taking risks is a normal part of being a teenager. Trying new things, testing limits, and figuring out who you are, are all part of growing up. When it comes to driving, those same impulses can sometimes lead to unsafe choices behind the wheel.
Research shows that the teenage brain is still developing, especially the areas responsible for decision making and impulse control. At the same time, teens are often more motivated by rewards, social connections, and the approval of their friends. That’s completely normal—but it’s also one reason why driving with distractions or showing off can become risky. The good news is that understanding these changes can help you make smart choices on the road. This website offers tips, resources, and information to help you stay safe while enjoying the freedom and independence that comes with driving.
Decision Making and the Adolescent Brain
Getting your driver’s license is one of the biggest steps toward independence. It means more freedom, more responsibility, and more opportunities to go where you want, when you want. But learning to drive safely takes time and experience. As a new driver, you’re still building your skills and gaining experience behind the wheel. With practice and time, you’ll become more comfortable handling unexpected situations and making safe decisions on the road. Speeding, distractions, and carrying friends as passengers can make driving even riskier. That’s why every state has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. These laws are designed to help new drivers gain experience gradually by limiting high-risk situations while they build confidence and safe driving habits. The good news? Studies have found that the GDL systems have reduced approximately 19% of accidents involving injuries and about 21% of fatal accidents in 16-year-olds across the U.S.1
As you start your journey in obtaining a New Hampshire
driver’s license it will be important to become familiar
with the State of New Hampshire Driver Manual.2
According to the Center for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19-year-olds than among any other age group in the U.S. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers in the U.S. ages 16-19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.4
Among teen drivers, those at especially high risk for motor vehicle crashes are:
Males: In 2020, the motor vehicle crash death rate for male drivers ages 16-19 years was three times as high as the death rate for female drivers in the same age group.4
Teens driving with teen or young adult passengers: The presence of teen or young adult passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with the number of teen passengers.4
Newly licensed teens: Crash risk is particularly high during the first months of licensure. The fatal crash rate per mile driven is nearly twice as high for 16-17-year-olds as compared to 18-19-year-olds.4
Teen motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries can be prevented. Being aware of the leading causes of teen crashes can help you stay safe on the road. The eight danger zones are important risk factors that can increase risk for crashes among teen drivers.
1. Driver Inexperience. Crash risk is highest in the first year a teen has their license. Crash risk is particularly high during the first several months of licensure.5
2. Driving with Teen Passengers. Crash risk goes up when teens drive with other teens in the car.5
3. Nighttime Driving. For all ages, fatal crashes are more likely to occur at night, but the risk is higher for teens.5
4. Not Using Seat Belts. The simplest way to prevent car crash deaths and injuries is to buckle up.5
5. Distracted Driving. Distractions increase teens risk of being in a crash.5
6. Drowsy Driving. Young Drivers are at high risk for drowsy driving. Teens are typically most tired and at risk with driving in the early morning or late at night.5
7. Reckless Driving. Research shows that teens lack the experience, judgement, and maturity to assess risky situations.5
8. Impaired Driving. Even small amounts of alcohol will impair your teen’s ability and increase their risk of a crash. Many other types of drugs/substances (including marijuana, other illicit drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter medications) also have the potential to impair a teen’s ability to drive safely.5
Top 4 Tips to Keeping in Mind Before You Get Behind the Wheel
1. Buckle your seat belt. Seat belts are proven to reduce risk of death and serious injuries when crashes occur by about half.
2. Do not drink any alcohol or use any drugs before getting behind the wheel. These activities are dangerous for any driver but are particularly dangerous for young, inexperienced drivers.
3. Put all distractions aside. Make sure your cell phone is off and away. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any mobile electronic devices (including hands-free). The only exception is to report an emergency.6 Even hands-free technology mentally distracts you from driving, and your full attention is needed to drive safely. If you need to use your phone for navigation directions, set it up before you get on the road and pull over to a safe location on the side of the road if you need to make changes. Don’t text or use social media while driving!
4. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle, especially if it is a vehicle you have never driven before. Know the location of important vehicle functions such as the turn signals, windshield wipers, and hazard lights. Before operating, adjust the mirrors and steering column if need be. Know the vehicles safety features and how they assist you. Determine if your vehicle has any advanced safety technologies or driver assistance such as a backup camera or lane departure warnings.
Our role is to help provide information towards ways of staying safe as a teen driver. Please visit the tabs within this Teen Section to learn more about the different aspects of driving.
