Overview of Driving Risks
Understanding Driving Risks
● Driving involves inherent risks, including the possibility of personal injury or damage to
people, vehicles, and property.
● Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, with a significant increase
in risk during nighttime driving.
● Teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in fatal car
crashes compared to older drivers.
Statistics on Teen Driving
● In 2022, Illinois had approximately 9 million drivers, with around 200,000 new teenage
drivers entering the system annually.
● Vehicle accidents in Illinois have increased from 262,941 reported accidents 15 years
ago to 298,347 in recent years, indicating a rise in driving activity.
● Despite the increase in accidents, the number of injuries and fatalities has slightly
decreased, suggesting improvements in driver education and safety measures.
Factors Contributing to Driving Risks
● Driver error accounts for 75% of all motor vehicle crashes, highlighting the importance of
driver education and awareness.
● Distracted driving, particularly from cell phone use, significantly increases the likelihood
of accidents, with texting making drivers 6 times more likely to crash than those who are
not distracted.
● The presence of passengers in the vehicle increases crash risk, with the risk doubling
with one passenger and tripling with three.
The Role of Driver Education
Importance of Driver Education
● Driver Education (DE) is crucial for teaching safe driving practices and is one of the few
classes that directly impacts health and safety.
● DE provides lifelong learning opportunities, equipping students with essential skills for
responsible driving.
● The curriculum includes practical driving experience, understanding traffic laws, and
recognizing hazardous situations.
Understanding Driving Risks
● Driving involves inherent risks, including the possibility of personal injury or damage to
people, vehicles, and property.
● Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, with a significant increase
in risk during nighttime driving.
● Teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in fatal car
crashes compared to older drivers.
Statistics on Teen Driving
● In 2022, Illinois had approximately 9 million drivers, with around 200,000 new teenage
drivers entering the system annually.
● Vehicle accidents in Illinois have increased from 262,941 reported accidents 15 years
ago to 298,347 in recent years, indicating a rise in driving activity.
● Despite the increase in accidents, the number of injuries and fatalities has slightly
decreased, suggesting improvements in driver education and safety measures.
Factors Contributing to Driving Risks
● Driver error accounts for 75% of all motor vehicle crashes, highlighting the importance of
driver education and awareness.
● Distracted driving, particularly from cell phone use, significantly increases the likelihood
of accidents, with texting making drivers 6 times more likely to crash than those who are
not distracted.
● The presence of passengers in the vehicle increases crash risk, with the risk doubling
with one passenger and tripling with three.
The Role of Driver Education
Importance of Driver Education
● Driver Education (DE) is crucial for teaching safe driving practices and is one of the few
classes that directly impacts health and safety.
● DE provides lifelong learning opportunities, equipping students with essential skills for
responsible driving.
● The curriculum includes practical driving experience, understanding traffic laws, and
recognizing hazardous situations.
