All drivers face risks, but the factor that contributes most to crashes and deaths appears to be inexperience. Newly licensed drivers, primarily teenagers, have the highest crash rates, but even drivers well into their twenties have higher crash rates than older drivers.

The main risk factors contributing to road fatalities and serious crashes among young drivers include:

• Inexperience
• Distractions while driving, such as using mobile phones and texting.
• Driving at night
• Drink and Drug driving: While drinking and driving are not very high among novices, it causes a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. In the later teen years and young adulthood, drinking and driving increases greatly.
• Speeding, tailgating, and other risky driving behaviors include Not Wearing a Seatbelt.
• Teenage passengers, Young male drivers, especially ones with other male passengers, are involved in more crashes. 
• Social norms. Risky driving among young drivers is more common among those who report that their friends drive in a risky manner.
• Driving their own car. 
• Driving an older vehicle (which has fewer crash-avoidance and crash-protection features) on poorly maintained roads.