

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and serious injury for people ages 16-20. Young drivers are also greatly over-represented in crashes. In 2017, young drivers (ages 16-20) made up 4% of licensed drivers, but 8 percent of drivers involved in fatal, and personal injury crashes. Some of the leading causes of these crashes are excessive speed, distractions, and driver inexperience.
Young drivers lack experience. However, when parents or adult mentors (such as teachers and coaches) help them develop safe driving skills early on, teens are less likely to crash, speed, use a cellphone while driving, and more likely to buckle up.
Chuck Conroy
Highway Safety Program Representative
Governor's Traffic Safety Committee
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 410B
Albany, NY 12228
518-474-5111