Study Reveals Increased Risks for Teens Driving Older Vehicles in Fatal Crashes

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. Recent research conducted by Nationwide Children's Hospital highlights the connection between vehicle age, driver assistance technologies, and the risk of fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Analyzing national data from 2016 to 2021, researchers observed that teens operating older vehicles—specifically those aged between 6 to 15 years—faced a 19% higher chance of driver death in fatal crashes compared to vehicles five years old or newer. This risk escalated to 31% for vehicles older than 15 years. Furthermore, vehicles equipped with more driver assistance technologies were associated with a 6% reduction in the likelihood of driver fatalities, emphasizing the safety benefits of advanced safety features.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed that teen drivers (ages 15–18) are more prone to drive older vehicles with fewer safety features than middle-aged drivers (ages 31–55), increasing their vulnerability in serious crashes. The findings underscore the urgent need for safer vehicle choices among new teen drivers.

Lead researcher Jingzhen Ginger Yang, Ph.D., MPH, emphasized the importance of choosing safe vehicles for teens to reduce their accident risk. She pointed out that many families pass down older vehicles to their teens, which raises concerns about vehicle reliability and safety during the critical first months of unsupervised driving. Experts recommend that parents prioritize newer vehicles with modern safety features, such as crash avoidance and lane assist technologies, to help mitigate these risks.

Health care providers are encouraged to educate families on the benefits of these safety features and to advocate for safer vehicle selection. Additionally, promoting safe driving behaviors—such as seat belt use, avoiding distractions, and adhering to graduated licensing requirements—remains essential.

Data for the study was obtained from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a comprehensive database tracking U.S. fatal crashes. The researchers stressed that, since teenagers are involved in a disproportionate number of motor vehicle fatalities, adopting safer vehicle strategies and educating families can significantly improve teen road safety.

For more details, the full study is available in JAMA Network Open: Link.