Why are young adults at greater risk of injury on our roads, and what can we do to help keep them safe?
Teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 25 are more likely to be involved in a car crash than any other age group, but what makes younger people more inclined to take risks? The science behind this is fascinating and something legislators can learn a lot from.
As a brain injury solicitor, I was aware that adolescent brains differ from fully developed adult brains, but I had not appreciated quite how significant those differences are.
But with this knowledge, I wanted to share some practical strategies that may help reduce the likelihood of injury when a young person is driving, cycling or walking.
Why do teenagers take more risks?
Government statistics show that around one in five people who were killed or seriously injured (KSI) in collisions involving cars in 2025 were involved in incidents with young drivers. Young male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than drivers aged over 25.
The statistics paint a clear picture: young drivers face a significantly higher level of risk on our roads.
Risk-taking is not inherently negative. In fact, as humans, we are biologically wired to take certain risks in order to learn, grow and succeed. Without the willingness to step outside our comfort zones, we might never try new experiences for fear of failure.
Part of what drives this behaviour is dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation and reward. When we take a risk and experience a positive outcome, dopamine is released, creating a sense of excitement and satisfaction. Put simply, dopamine plays an important role in motivating us to take action and pursue goals.
The challenge during adolescence is that several factors combine to make risk-taking more appealing and, at times, less carefully considered.
One factor is the heightened activity of dopamine systems in the teenage brain. Research suggests that adolescents experience greater dopamine release in response to novel and exciting experiences, making them naturally more drawn to immediate rewards and new opportunities.
Another important factor is brain development. While teenagers may appear physically mature, their brains are still undergoing significant development. The limbic system, which is involved in emotion and reward-seeking behaviour, develops earlier and tends to dominate during adolescence. By contrast, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning, judgement, impulse control and decision-making, is not fully mature until at least the mid-twenties.
This developmental imbalance makes teenagers more likely to engage in risky behaviour without fully considering the potential consequences.
Peer influence also plays a significant role. During adolescence, friendships become increasingly important, and young people can be highly sensitive to peer approval. Studies using MRI scans have shown teenagers demonstrate greater activity in the brain’s reward centres when making decisions if they believe their peers are aware of their choices.
Interestingly, adults show greater activation in areas of the brain associated with decision-making and self-regulation, and the presence of friends appears to have much less impact on their risk-taking behaviour.
In simple terms, teenagers often want to impress their friends. When we consider this alongside the biological factors described above, it is easy to understand why young drivers are particularly vulnerable to risk-taking behaviours. Indeed, teenagers are significantly more likely to be involved in a collision when driving with peer passengers than when driving alone.
How can we help teenagers manage risk?
There is no single solution that can eliminate risk entirely, nor would we want to prevent teenagers from exploring the world around them. Experimentation, independence and learning from experience are all important parts of becoming a confident and capable adult.
However, there are several ways parents, carers and other adults can help young people manage risk more safely.
- Lead by example
Young people learn a great deal through observation. Adults who consistently demonstrate safe driving, cycling and pedestrian behaviours help to reinforce those habits in the next generation.
Simple actions, such as using pedestrian crossings correctly, wearing appropriate safety equipment when cycling and avoiding mobile phone use near roads, can make a lasting impression.
- Anticipate high-risk situations
Understanding where risky behaviour is most likely to occur can help parents and carers take proactive steps to reduce potential dangers.
For example, if a child is travelling independently to school, it can be helpful to discuss the safest route, identify potential hazards and consider what they should do if plans change unexpectedly, such as missing a bus or becoming separated from friends.
- Have open conversations about risk
Talking through situations before they arise can help teenagers make better decisions when faced with them in real life.
Discussions might include the dangers of speeding, distractions caused by mobile phones or loud music, and the increased risks associated with showing off in front of peers. Encouraging young people to think through possible scenarios and consequences can help strengthen their decision-making skills.
- Provide positive outlets for risk-taking
Teenagers naturally seek excitement, challenge and social connection. Activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, mountain biking or team sports can provide many of these benefits in a more controlled environment.
Equally, encouraging them to challenge themselves in other ways, such as performing in a play, learning a new skill or taking on a leadership role, can help satisfy the desire for novelty and achievement.
- Set appropriate boundaries
Although teenagers value independence, sensible boundaries can still play an important role in keeping them safe.
For newly qualified drivers, this might include limiting the number of passengers they carry until they have gained more driving experience. While such restrictions may not always be popular, they can help reduce exposure to some of the factors most commonly associated with serious collisions involving young drivers.
The impact of brain injury on teenagers and young adults
When a serious road traffic collision results in a brain injury, the consequences can be life changing.
Young brain injury survivors may experience difficulties with cognition, memory, speech, emotional regulation, fatigue and mobility, among many other challenges. These difficulties can affect every aspect of daily life and make important milestones significantly harder to achieve.
The transition into adulthood is already a period of substantial change. Experiences such as leaving home, attending university, starting employment, building friendships and navigating romantic relationships can all become considerably more complex following a brain injury.
We have extensive experience supporting young people and their families through brain injury claims and understand the unique difficulties they face. Recovering from a brain injury while simultaneously navigating the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood can be overwhelming, not just for the injured individual but for their loved ones as well.
Learning more about the neuroscience behind adolescent behaviour has certainly given me a greater appreciation of the teenage brain, along with a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for young people. I hope these insights and practical suggestions prove helpful to those supporting teenagers as they learn to navigate the world safely and confidently.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, we have a wealth of resources on support available. If you would like legal support to help finance your rehabilitation, you can speak to our team on 020 7288 4800.
