Yreka, CA – The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents and young drivers to focus on safety this January as new data shows teens remain among the most at-risk drivers on California roads.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 15 to 18. In 2023, 2,789 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver nationwide — including 1,024 teen drivers. Nearly two-thirds of those killed or injured were passengers, pedestrians, or others outside the teen’s vehicle.
In California alone, teen drivers ages 15–20 were involved in 428 fatal crashes in 2023. While that marks a decline from recent years, officials say the number remains troubling.
Authorities cite several risk factors: higher crash rates among 16–19-year-olds, inexperience during the first 12–24 months of driving, and distraction from passengers or phones. Fatal crashes also rise sharply at night — especially between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages safe habits such as eliminating distractions, wearing seat belts, avoiding nighttime driving, and following California’s graduated license rules.
“We all share the road,” the department said in a post. “By following safe driving practices, teen drivers can protect themselves and others.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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