As summer arrives, a recent study conducted by Bumper.com has shed light on the alarming rate of teen driver fatalities in Tennessee, ranking the state 38th in the nation for such incidents. The study analyzed data from 2017 to 2021, revealing that Tennessee witnessed a three-year average of 178.3 teen driver fatalities, accounting for 15% of all roadway fatalities in the state. These figures raise concerns about the safety of young drivers on Tennessee roads.
According to the study, 37.5% of teen driving deaths nationwide occur during the summer months. Unfortunately, Tennessee experiences the highest number of teen driver fatalities in May, making it the most perilous month for young drivers during the summer season. In 2022 alone, the state reported an estimated 191 fatalities involving teen drivers, with a rate of 6.22 fatalities per 10,000 young drivers behind the wheel. This rate surpasses the national average of 4.85 fatalities per 10,000 young drivers.
Statistics indicate that these young individuals are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents, with speeding identified as the primary cause, accounting for 39.3% of such incidents.
Here are the Tennessee teen driver-related fatality statistics from 2017 to 2021:
- 2017: 125 young driver fatalities
- 2018: 108 young driver fatalities
- 2019: 159 young driver fatalities
- 2020: 188 young driver fatalities
- 2021: 188 young driver fatalities
- Three-year average of teen driver fatalities: 178.3
- Three-year sum of all fatalities: 1226
- Percentage of teen fatalities over three years: 15%
- Estimated teen driver fatalities for 2022: 191
- Fatalities per 10,000: 6.22
- State summer fatality percentage (June-September): 36.19%
- State summer fatality ranking: 38th
- Deadliest month for teen drivers: May
- Deadliest summer month: May
