Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers aged 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be involved in a fatal crash, per mile driven. This heightened risk is not simply due to inexperience, but also to a range of behavioral and psychological factors that increase the likelihood of poor decision-making behind the wheel.
The Seven Deadly Sins of Teenage Driving identifies seven key behavioral risks — haste, temper, distraction, ego, greed, impairment, and neglect — which correspond to core motivations and emotional states that frequently contribute to teen crashes and fatalities.
1. Haste (Speeding and Reckless Driving)
Teen drivers often exhibit a tendency to rush, either due to poor time management or the thrill of speeding. In 2022, speeding was a factor in 32% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers (NHTSA). The lack of appreciation for stopping distances and road conditions further amplifies this risk.
2. Temper (Aggressive Driving and Road Rage)
Teenagers are more prone to emotional reactivity. Outbursts of anger, whether due to interpersonal conflicts or perceived slights from other drivers, can result in aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, or running red lights — all of which significantly raise crash risk.
3. Distraction (Phone Use, Passengers, and Multitasking)
Distraction is one of the most significant contributors to teen driving incidents. The CDC notes that about 39% of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving in the past month. Inexperienced drivers are especially susceptible to losing focus due to mobile devices, loud music, or peer passengers.
4. Ego (Overconfidence and Risk-Taking)
A false sense of invincibility and peer-driven bravado can lead teen drivers to underestimate dangers. Risk-taking behaviors such as racing, ignoring traffic signals, or driving without a seatbelt are often tied to the need to assert independence or impress others.
5. Greed (Cutting Corners and Unsafe Shortcuts)
Though less often discussed, “greed” in the form of impatience or prioritizing convenience over safety leads to unsafe decisions like running yellow lights, speeding through neighborhoods, or choosing unmonitored backroads. These behaviors can stem from a desire to “save time” or avoid accountability.
6. Impairment (Drugs, Alcohol, and Fatigue)
Though underage drinking is illegal, nearly 15% of drivers aged 16–20 involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (NHTSA). In addition, drug use and sleep deprivation — common among teenagers — further impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
7. Neglect (Inattention to Vehicle Maintenance and Laws)
Some teens fail to keep their vehicles in safe condition or ignore basic driving rules. Driving with bald tires, ignoring dashboard warning lights, or failing to yield are examples of neglect that can easily result in dangerous situations, especially when combined with other risky behaviors.
Understanding and addressing these seven behavioral patterns is critical to reducing teen-related accidents and fatalities. Educational programs, policy interventions, and parental engagement must focus on emotional regulation, responsible decision-making, and behavioral awareness to create a safer driving culture among youth.