Distracted Teen Drivers Increase Collisions in California for 16-19 Year Olds

Distractions Lead to More Collisions by Inexperienced Drivers

Distracted Teen Drivers Leading Cause of Death in California for 16-19 Year OldsElk Grove, Calif. (July 13, 2021) – Distracted teen drivers in California contribute to increased collisions and ultimately more injuries and deaths, but parents can help their children with a new video series released July 2nd by the Office of Traffic Safety.

In an effort to reduce the number of distracted driving collisions, injuries and deaths, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) launched a new video series this month aimed at educating teenage drivers in California about safe driving practices. Additionally, the “Did You Know?” series can be found below or on the OTS website. 

Indeed, traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for teenagers 15 to 18 years old in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Our young people are learning to drive amid numerous distractions, but cell phones are typically the worst,” said Attorney James Johnson. ” It is vital that we encourage them to put away phones before they drive and avoid other distractions.”

Teenage Drivers at Greater Risk of Collisions, Death

Indeed, sixteen-year-old drivers crash at four times the rate of adult drivers. Distractions such as cell phone use, passenger interactions, eating and drinking, and more contribute to high crash rates among these young inexperienced drivers. Also, teenagers account for roughly 10 percent of the population, but they are involved in 25 percent of all alcohol-involved fatal crashes.

On California roadways, some 164 teenagers ages 16 to 19 years old died in 2019 collisions. Additionally, in 2019, there were 354 drivers involved in fatal collisions nationwide that were age 20 and under. The most dangerous time for teenagers is in the first few months of having a driver’s license because. These are inexperienced drivers who are immature and they are often out traveling on busy roadways and freeways. That’s why it’s even more advisable that there are no distracted teen drivers.

Take a look at the safety videos from the OTS series “Did You Know?”


Driving: The Most Dangerous Action Teens Take:

California Has a Hands-Free Cell Phone Law:

California Graduated Driver’s License Law;
Distracted Driving is Not Just Cell Phone Use;
Distracted Driving is 100% Preventable;
Administrative Zero Tolerance Law

The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency.


Johnson Attorneys Group is proud to serve clients throughout California. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you by answering any legal questions you may have pertaining to personal injury. Please contact us at your convenience at 1-800-235-6801 to request a free consultation.

James Johnson

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