Teenage driving accidents are a serious issue in San Bernardino. Although teens aged 18 to 24 make up only 10.3 percent of California’s population, they account for 19 percent of motor vehicle fatalities. In 2020, a total of 11,566 teens and young adults ages 15 to 24 from the Southern California region, which includes Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties, visited emergency departments for car accident injuries.
Our experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyers at LA Century Law explain key statistics and what parents and young drivers need to know.
Teen Driver Accident Statistics in San Bernardino County
In 2023, the City of San Bernardino reported that 465 people were killed in collisions involving drivers aged 20 or younger. These crashes represented 11.5 percent of all traffic deaths in California.
Additional statewide data shows:
- In 2021, 46,374 teens and young adults ages 18 to 24 visited a California emergency department as drivers or passengers injured in motor vehicle crashes.
- In 2021, 3,169 teens and young adults ages 18 to 24 were hospitalized for car accident injuries.
- Crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury among individuals ages 15 to 24. Unintentional poisoning is second, followed by firearm homicide.
- Pedestrians are also affected. In 2024, 38 pedestrians under age 15 were injured or killed in San Bernardino County.
- In 2021, five people in San Bernardino were injured or killed in crashes involving drivers under age 21 who had been drinking.
Teens ages 16 to 19 have the highest crash risk of any age group. Sixteen-year-olds in particular have a crash rate 1.5 times higher than teens ages 18 to 19 (CDC, Risk Factors for Teen Drivers).
Nationally, in 2020, 227,000 teens ages 13 to 19 were injured and 2,800 were killed in vehicle crashes. The CDC reports an average of 18 teen crash deaths per day in the United States.
The data shows that teen car accidents remain a common and devastating problem.
Why Teen Drivers Are at Higher Risk for Car Accidents
Teen drivers face a higher risk of accidents for several reasons:
Inexperience
Teens often lack familiarity with steering, braking, and how a vehicle responds in unexpected situations.
Alcohol
Alcohol impairs judgment, and because the brain continues to develop into a person’s mid-twenties, driving under the influence can be especially dangerous for young people.
Judgment
Younger drivers may struggle to recognize hazards or understand safe driving practices such as maintaining a safe speed and proper following distance.
Distraction
Passengers, cell phone use, and other distractions increase the likelihood of driving mistakes.
Speeding
High speeds reduce reaction time and limit the driver’s ability to process information about road conditions.
Additional risk factors include:
- Half of all teen crashes occur on weekends.
- Forty-four percent of teen driver crashes occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- In 56 percent of fatal teen crashes, the teen was not wearing a seatbelt (CDC).
High-Risk Areas for Teen Car Accidents in San Bernardino
Teen driving accidents are more likely in certain areas, including:
- Intersections with lights, stop signs, or no controls
- Highways such as State Route 138, Interstate 210, State Route 210, I-10, and I-15
- Construction zones where traffic patterns change
- Merging areas like University Parkway at I-215
- Roads with mixed commercial and non-commercial traffic such as Tippecanoe Avenue, Date Street, Pacific Street, and Waterman Avenue
- Areas near high schools, including the twelve high schools in the San Bernardino City Unified School District and many more throughout the county
- Locations where teens gather for events, such as football stadiums and concert venues
- Rural streets with poor lighting or unclear markings, including Bear Valley Road and the Oak Hills area
- Areas with high pedestrian activity or changing speed limits like Hospitality Lane, S Carnegie Drive, and 16th Street
San Bernardino County is the largest county by land area in the contiguous United States. Any road, alley, or parking area has the potential to be dangerous for young drivers.
What To Do After a Teen Driver Causes a Car Accident
If a teen driver is involved in a crash, take the following steps:
- Stop at the scene and call law enforcement.
- Ensure anyone injured receives medical attention.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Collect contact details for the teen’s parents or guardians.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Investigate insurance coverage if needed.
- Consider consulting an attorney to assist with your claim.
Who Is Liable in a Teen Driving Accident in California?
Teens are required to follow the same rules of the road as any other driver. If a teen fails to drive with reasonable care, they can be held liable. Common driving errors include speeding, unsafe lane changes, improper following distance, and incorrect turns.
How Insurance Works When a Teen Driver Causes a Crash
In California, a parent or guardian must sign for their teen to obtain a driver’s license. Under California Vehicle Code § 17707, parents are responsible for allowing their teen to become licensed and have joint and several liability if their minor causes an accident.
Other parties may also be liable under vicarious liability or negligent entrustment. Examples include employer-employee relationships or situations where someone lends a vehicle to a person known to have unsafe driving habits.
All drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. Teenagers may be listed on a parent’s policy or have their own policy. The policy must clearly identify covered vehicles and drivers. If no insurance coverage applies, parents may be personally responsible for damages.
When To Contact a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer
LA Century Law is a leading accident and injury firm representing victims of San Bernardino car accidents, including claims involving teen drivers. If you or someone you know has been injured, or if there are questions about liability or insurance, we encourage you to contact our award-winning team. Call or message us today.