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For many teenagers, getting a license (and a vehicle) is a major milestone in identity and self-sufficiency. However, teenage drivers often commit dangerous yet easily avoidable mistakes behind the wheel. Here are some of the most common driving fouls teens commit today. 

Teenage drivers can stay safe by avoiding these dangerous mistakes and driving faux pas

Unfortunately, teenage drivers may be more inclined than drivers from other age ranges to make the following safety mistakes.

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Not wearing a seat belt
  • Not practicing proper situational awareness
  • Following the vehicle ahead too closely

Teenagers and distracted driving. I know, duh, right? In all seriousness, young motorists may devote more of their attention to using their smartphones when they should be paying attention to the road conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “dialing a phone number while driving increases your teen’s risk of crashing by six times, and texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times.” The same goes for packing the car with friends and defocusing.

Oh, to be young and bulletproof. Unfortunately, those feelings can add to the inclination to speed. Tragically, speeding contributed to 30% of fatal crashes with teenage drivers in 2022. If you’re a teen with a heavy right foot, slow down. Your skills aren’t yet developed. And if you’re a parent, talk to your teen about speeding and refrain from buying them a S550 Ford Mustang GT with 450 horsepower.

Even today, with incessant chimes reminding motorists to buckle up, young drivers may decide not to use a seat belt. Sadly, teenagers are the driving segment with the lowest average seat belt use. Fortunately, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that seat belt use among teenage drivers improved with parental oversight.

Not dissimilar to distracted driving, teen motorists may not pay attention to their surroundings. This includes running stop signs, merging when it’s not safe, or misjudging a gap. Moreover, teens often follow the vehicle ahead too closely. Always remember to apply the three-second following distance rule. Your vehicle doesn’t stop as quickly as you might think.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).