How Inexperienced Teen Drivers Cause Serious Crashes

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

How Inexperienced Teen Drivers Cause Serious Crashes

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Drivers who have just received their licenses are extremely inexperienced – especially when it comes to driving on busy roadways and highways. Given their lack of experience, young teen drivers are more prone to causing accidents than older and more experienced drivers. These accidents can occur when teenage drivers are speeding or violating other rules of the road. 

In addition to getting a ticket or incurring a criminal penalty (such as for a DUI), young drivers who cause motor vehicle crashes could incur civil liability. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by a young driver, you should call an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at Malman Law today. Our knowledgeable personal injury legal team could investigate your accident and could help you pursue a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. 

Give us a call today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn how we might be able to assist you with your car accident case. 

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What Are The Risk Factors For Teen Drivers?

When it comes to inexperienced drivers, particularly teens, the stakes on Chicago roads are dangerously high. As a law firm committed to protecting victims of car accidents, we at Malman Law recognize the undeniable risks associated with young, newly licensed drivers. According to Illinois State Police, drivers under 21 in Illinois account for only 10% of licensed motorists, yet they are involved in a staggering 17% of alcohol-related fatal crashes. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that in 2020 alone, 2,276 individuals lost their lives in crashes involving teen drivers. The CDC supports these alarming findings, showing that 19% of 15- to 18-year-old passenger vehicle drivers were involved in fatal accidents.

The primary contributors include:

• Inexperience and unfamiliarity with complex traffic scenarios are common in Chicago, particularly in areas with heavy congestion, confusing intersections, or unpredictable traffic patterns that overwhelm new drivers.
• Distractions from passengers, mobile devices, GPS, music apps, streaming platforms, and social media notifications easily divert attention from the road and diminish reaction times.
• Overconfidence in handling difficult road conditions, including during adverse weather, nighttime driving, or heavy city traffic, leads to poor decision-making in critical moments.
• Higher rates of DUI offenses, even with Illinois’ strict zero-tolerance laws in place, create added dangers for all road users, from pedestrians and cyclists to other motorists.

Additionally, many teen drivers mistakenly believe they can manage challenging conditions easily. This false confidence, mixed with ever-present distractions, heightens the chance of severe accidents. Even teens who think they can multitask face significant delays in reaction times when attention is divided.

Chicago’s unique roadway challenges further increase the risk:

• Heavy congestion on major expressways like the Dan Ryan.
• Chaotic intersections throughout downtown neighborhoods.
• Unpredictable weather patterns, including icy winters.
• Constant road construction projects.

For those new to driving, these factors create overwhelming situations that can lead to tragic outcomes.

Types of Teen Driver Negligence

Teen drivers are not yet experienced at operating motor vehicles on the road, and consequently, they are more likely than other drivers to cause a motor vehicle collision. Some common examples of teen driver negligence on Chicago roadways, including the following:

• Speeding – Young people sometimes have a tendency to drive fast – especially if they are operating a newer vehicle, such as a sports car. When young and inexperienced drivers operate their vehicles fast, they are more likely to collide with other vehicles and cause a serious accident. 
• Weaving through traffic – Young drivers are sometimes in a hurry to get to their destinations, and in order to do so, they may weave in and out of traffic or forget to use a turn signal. Doing so, however, can lead to a serious collision.
• Driving on busy roads – Teenage drivers are also inexperienced drivers who are still learning how to operate and control a motor vehicle. In some instances, these drivers are not experienced enough to be operating a vehicle on a multi-lane highway or another busy roadway. When inexperienced drivers are operating motor vehicles in this setting, serious accidents can occur. 
• DUI – Drunk driving is a serious problem, not just with teenage drivers, but with adult drivers as well. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adult drivers is 0.08 percent. However, for minors, a zero-tolerance policy is in effect, due to their decreased level of driving experience and because drinking is unlawful for them. If a minor is found to have any alcohol in his or her system while driving, the minor could be arrested. The minor could also face civil liability if he or she causes a collision that results in injuries. 

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN

Founding Attorney

How Does The GDL System Work?

Illinois has implemented the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system to combat these hazards by gradually introducing driving privileges to teens, giving them time to develop essential skills before assuming full responsibilities. According to Illinois State Police, this system includes mandatory seat belt use for all passengers under 19 years old in a vehicle operated by a driver under 18. This critical yet straightforward rule is part of a larger legal framework designed to ensure young drivers understand the weight of their responsibilities.

The GDL system in Illinois unfolds in stages:

• First is the learner’s permit stage, which requires new drivers to complete a state-approved driver education course and log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
• Next is the initial licensing phase, where restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits are strictly enforced. For the first six months, no more than one passenger under 20 (unless family members) is allowed in the vehicle with the teen driver.
• Finally, the full licensing phase removes these limitations once the driver turns 18 and has maintained a clean driving record.

Equally important is the state’s emphasis on seat belt usage, which applies not only to the driver but also to every passenger, regardless of where they sit. This law reflects sobering truths about crash survivability: the odds of surviving a rollover crash are exponentially higher when properly restrained. Demonstrations, like those conducted using the Illinois State Police rollover simulator, visually drive home these life-or-death lessons.

Moreover, the GDL system goes beyond just regulations; it fosters a culture of responsibility and mindfulness. Spacing out driving privileges allows teens to adapt to various road environments incrementally, ensuring that they are not thrust into high-risk situations prematurely. This strategy has proven to be effective in reducing teen crash fatalities not only in Illinois but nationwide.

What Can You Do As A Parent?

We encourage parents to be actively involved in supervising practice hours, setting expectations, and modeling safe driving behavior. According to Illinois State Police, the habits teens develop early, such as always buckling up, stick with them for life. Teen drivers are likelier to use seat belts when their parents enforce rules and wear theirs consistently.

In Chicago, with its intricate web of congested streets, unpredictable weather, and aggressive drivers, teens must be prepared for scenarios far beyond textbook driving skills. Parents can help bridge that gap by:

• Discussing the dangers of distracted driving, such as using smartphones for navigation or social media. These behaviors might feel harmless to teens but raise crash risks, especially on busy Chicago streets.

• Reinforcing the serious legal and personal consequences of DUIs. Even one poor decision can lead to criminal charges and long-lasting consequences. It’s essential to have these conversations early and often.

• Setting realistic boundaries, including sticking to familiar routes and avoiding challenging driving conditions until the teen has more experience.

• Encourage defensive driving habits, such as staying alert, keeping safe distances, and expecting other drivers to make mistakes.

Most importantly, be present in their journey. Attend practice drives in varying conditions, from downtown Chicago’s rush hour to snowy suburban streets. Your involvement can dramatically reduce their crash risk.

Beyond supervision, parental influence also extends to teens’ values and attitudes toward driving. When teens witness their parents adhering to traffic laws, respecting other motorists, and exhibiting patience in challenging driving scenarios, they are more likely to adopt these behaviors. At Malman Law, we’ve seen the positive impact of proactive parenting on preventing devastating car accidents involving inexperienced drivers.

Setting clear driving agreements is a simple yet impactful approach. These agreements can outline curfews, passenger limits, acceptable driving areas, and rules regarding mobile device use. Families that approach driving as a privilege, not a right, help teens internalize the seriousness of the responsibility they’ve been given.

Furthermore, encouraging teens to participate in safe driving workshops, local defensive driving courses, or teen-focused traffic safety events can expose them to real-world scenarios in a controlled environment. These additional layers of education can give them the tools they need to navigate the demanding streets of Chicago with greater caution and awareness.

Call a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by a teenage driver, let the skilled legal team at Malman Law assist you with your case. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Chicago car accident lawyer, please call us at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn more.