Underage Driving

Underage Driving and Road Safety

Many lives are shattered by underage drivers going for a joyride in the vehicles of their parents or older relatives. We are aware of many unlicensed drivers going for the short drive – but often overlook the nature of the risks and the consequences to these youngsters. Parents are urged to familiarize themselves with the risks associated with underage driving.

The facts about underage driving:

Teen drivers aged 16-19 years are four times more likely than older drivers to crash

Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed, run red lights, make illegal turns, ride with an intoxicated driver, and drive after using alcohol or drugs

Inexperience is the reason why these drivers are more likely to underestimate hazardous situations

The presence of teen passengers increases the risk of accidents by underage drivers - and the more passengers - the higher the risk

Accidents by underage drivers occur mostly on Friday and Saturday nights between the hours 9pm and 6am.

Why do underage drivers pose such a significant risk?

The high number of underage drivers transgressing the law by going for a joyride can be attributed to peer pressure and a feeling of youthful invincibility

Teenagers have a sense that they can get away with transgressions – a feeling of bravado whereby “ I can get away with anything”

This is further evident in research indicating that teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use

About 30% of crashes killing young drivers involve alcohol and are often combined with contributing