Risky Driving Practices Begin at Age 12

We have some bad news for parents: According to a study conducted by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance, the high risk for teenage death and injury in vehicular accidents does not begin at age 16, as you might expect.

The study, which was published this week in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, found that the risk of fatal injury spikes sharply once a child turns 12 — far greater than the risk their younger counterparts face.

The problem is that years before children have even a learner’s permit, they are already beginning to practice the sort of high-risk behavior that typical teenage drivers are so well-known for. This includes not wearing a seat belt, driving on high-speed roads and riding with drivers 16 or younger — obviously their friends and classmates.

It’s also important to note that out of the 10,000 teen passenger deaths included in the study, alcohol was a factor in one-fifth of those accidents.

The impact of the study is unclear. Does this give lawmakers reason to regulate the kinds of passengers young drivers can have in their vehicles? Are there other adjustments that can keep young passengers safer? Let us know what you think about the study’s findings and how young passenger deaths can be prevented.