How Teen Brain Development Affects Driving

Aug 15,2018

In California, a teenager can get a provisional license at 16 years old with the completion of driver’s education, and a full driver’s license at age 18. Unfortunately, drivers in this young age group have a much higher risk of being involved in an accident, compared to older drivers. Part of the reason for this is teenage brain development.

While a teenager is legally an adult at age 18, teen brain development is not complete until at least age 25. What’s more, the part of the brain most responsible for driving skills, the frontal lobe, is the last part of the brain to develop white matter. White matter helps brain cells communicate more efficiently.

Thus, the lack of white matter in a young driver’s frontal lobe—the part of the brain that manages motor skills and aversion to risk-taking—may help explain why young drivers are a greater risk behind the wheel. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that emotional immaturity is the primary reason for the high rate of accidents involving teen drivers, as opposed to inexperience.

“Although you can’t control the rate at which your teenager’s brain develops, you can do your part to ensure they are prepared behind the wheel. Teaching your teen about safe driving and defensive driving tactics can help them to become good drivers at a young age,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.