Where are the worst teenage drivers in the US?

For me, driving as a teenager was liberating. It was also dangerous because I was a teenager and at the time, (As now) teenagers are not the safest drivers. In fact, some studies say that teenagers are the least safe drivers.  

I don't know, maybe it runs in the family. When I was much older, I found out that my dad was kind of a wild child as well. Riding motorcycles and driving hot rods when he was a youngster back in Three Oaks, Michigan. His love of speed and machinery made him want to become an engineer. 

I have said this before, if it wasn't for cruise control, I would not have a driver's license today. If I can keep my foot off the gas pedal, I can drive the speed limit. I was lucky that I survived my teenage driving years. Many kids are not that lucky. 

According to wallethub.com,
‘Getting a driver’s license is considered a rite of passage in American culture. But this exciting coming-of-age has instead become a death sentence for thousands of teens each year. Motor-vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among the population aged 16 to 19, which also happens to be the age group with the highest risk of crashes.’ 

We talk a lot about the human cost of motor vehicle accidents. It's always a tragedy when someone dies. Alright, but what about the financial cost of car accidents. Estimates are that the financial cost of teenage car accidents ranges up to 40.7 billion dollars a year. 

wallethub.com did the research using 23 metrics to rank all 50 states for the safest driving environment for teenagers. 

Washington state is in the top five for safety at #4. New Jersey at #3, Massachusetts at #2 and to my surprise, New York is #1. At the bottom of the list, Wyoming, Mississippi and Montana at #50. 

There is a lot to be learned from this WalletHub.com study and I would recommend you read it. You will find the link below. 

Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers in 2024 (wallethub.com)
Risk Factors for Teen Drivers | Teen Drivers | CDC