Kentucky continues to have one of the highest rates of teen crash deaths in the nation, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 

NHTSA data show car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Teen drivers are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal crash for every mile driven.

In 2023, 41 young drivers (15-20) in Kentucky died in crashes. The state also had a 138 percent involvement rate in fatal wrecks, the highest in the country. For comparison, Kentucky’s rate for drivers age 21+ was just under 35 percent. 

As part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, state officials are urging parents to talk with their teens about driving responsibly. Instructors say inexperience and peer influence are major risk factors, especially as the state recently lowered the legal driving age from 16 to 15.

Safety officials stress simple habits like buckling up, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions or impaired driving, steps that can make a life-saving difference.

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