Teen Drivers

Emily Howard, Staff Writer

In the U.S. the leading cause of teen deaths is motor vehicle crashes, making teens more likely to get into a car accident then anyone else on the road.

According to Teen Driver Source’s website, in 2013 roughly 963,000 teens ages 16-19 years old were reported in a car accident. 383,000 teens had injuries and 2,865 teens died in car crashes in the US. The chances of someone between the ages of 16-19 getting into an accident is four times more likely than someone who is between the ages 25-69.

“If you are too immature, you shouldn’t be allowed to drive because that in turn, causes problems for others,” senior Abiel Tenorio added.

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), male teens are most at risk for being involved in a car accident. In 2013 the amount of fatal crashes with male drivers and passengers was twice the amount of female drivers and passengers. Also according to the CDC, when teens are driving and have other teen passengers in the car, they are more susceptible to get in a motor vehicle accident due to lack of adult supervision.

Art teacher Mr. Matthew Reynolds, thinks that all teenagers should bike back and forth to different places. “No teen driving. Only bicycles,” he said. His reasoning is that biking is not only cheaper and safer than driving, but also: “Biking is good for your health, your brain, and the environment.”