Common Causes of Teen Car Accidents

Last Updated on July 17, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

Teen Drivers and Texas Roadways: Understanding the Main Causes of Accidents

For parents, the thought of their teenager getting behind the wheel can be a source of immense pride and, often, significant worry. Unfortunately, car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, with an average of six teenagers dying every day from crash-related injuries. In Texas, where roadways can be busy and diverse, understanding the common causes of teen accidents is crucial for both young drivers and their parents.

At the Beltz Law Group, we frequently see the devastating aftermath of these collisions. While no parent ever wants their child to be involved in an accident, being aware of the risks is the first step toward promoting safer driving habits and knowing what to do if an accident does occur.

Here are some of the main factors contributing to teen accidents on Texas roadways:

1. Inexperienced Drivers

This is perhaps the most fundamental reason. Teenagers, by definition, are new drivers with limited experience in various driving conditions. They often lack:

• Hazard Recognition Skills: The ability to quickly identify potential dangers on the road.
• Risk Perception: Understanding the true severity of certain driving situations.
• Emergency Maneuvering Skills: The instinct and ability to react effectively in unexpected or dangerous scenarios, such as sudden braking or swerving.
• Situational Awareness: Consistently monitoring their surroundings and anticipating the actions of other drivers.

While driving skills improve with practice, this initial lack of experience makes new drivers significantly more vulnerable to crashes.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a pervasive issue for all age groups, but it’s particularly dangerous for teenagers who may already struggle with divided attention. Even a brief moment of distraction can lead to a severe accident. Common distractions for teens include:

• Cell Phone Use: Texting, talking on the phone, Browse social media, or using apps while driving. Texas law prohibits drivers under 18 from using wireless communication devices.
• Peer Passengers: The presence of other teenage passengers can significantly increase distractions due to conversations, loud music, or general horseplay.
• Eating, Drinking, or Grooming: Any activity that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving.

3. Lack of Seat Belt Use

Despite overwhelming evidence that seat belts save lives, teenagers consistently have the lowest rates of seat belt use compared to other age groups. In a crash, not wearing a seat belt dramatically increases the risk of:

• Being ejected from the vehicle.
• Sustaining severe or fatal injuries from hitting interior components of the car.

Encouraging consistent seat belt use is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect teenage drivers and their passengers.

4. Impaired Driving (Alcohol and Drugs)

While the legal drinking age in Texas is 21, unfortunately, underage drinking and driving remain a serious problem among teenagers. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision, making accidents far more likely. Alarmingly, studies show that a significant percentage of teenage drivers admit to drinking and driving, and even more are willing to ride with an impaired driver. The combination of inexperience and impairment creates an exceptionally dangerous scenario.

5. Driving with Teen Passengers

Research consistently shows that the risk of a crash increases with each additional teenage passenger in a vehicle driven by a teenager. This is often due to:

• Increased Distractions: More passengers can lead to more noise, conversations, and demands on the driver’s attention.
• Peer Pressure: Teen drivers may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding or showing off, when friends are in the car.
• Reduced Focus: The social dynamic can detract from the driver’s primary focus on the road.

Texas has a graduated driver’s license (GDL) program that includes restrictions on the number of non-family passengers for new drivers, specifically to mitigate this risk.

What to Do After a Teen Car Accident in Texas

Even with diligent safety measures, accidents can happen. If your teenager is involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to know the immediate steps:

1. Ensure Safety & Seek Medical Attention: The first priority is to move to a safe location if possible and immediately check for injuries. Call 911 for emergency medical services if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries don’t seem apparent, medical evaluation is critical, as some symptoms can be delayed.
2. Contact Law Enforcement: Always call the police to the scene of an accident, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if the other driver seems impaired. A police report provides an official record of the incident.
3. Gather Evidence: If safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene from various angles, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant surroundings. Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, and get contact information for any witnesses.
4. Do NOT Admit Fault: Instruct your teenager not to discuss fault or apologize at the scene, as anything they say can be used against them later.
5. Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney: This is a crucial step. An attorney can investigate the accident thoroughly, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and protect your teenager’s legal rights.

At the Beltz Law Group, we understand the unique sensitivities and legal complexities involved in teen car accident cases. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Texas are dedicated to advocating for young drivers and their families, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the compensation needed for recovery. If your teenager has been involved in an accident, contact us today for a consultation. We’re here to help guide you through this challenging time.