By contributing writers Gemma Ricciardiello (’28) and Anna Schroth (’28)

About 4 percent of all United States drivers are teenagers. However, teen drivers account for 9.1 percent of all motor vehicle crashes in the U.S, 6.1 percent being fatal. Teen drivers are more prone to reckless driving due to their lack of experience and knowledge with driving. Also, 17 percent of all car accidents are due to poor weather conditions like snow and ice. On average over 1,800 people die and over 136,300 people are injured annually due to driving on snowy and icy roads. 

Junior Atlee Costello slid off the road due to poor winter weather conditions just a few weeks ago. He had his license for almost three months at that point. His advice for new drivers is to not drive recklessly. Also this year, Senior Vincent Frocione was driving too fast down an icy hill when his brakes locked and he slid into a snowbank. His car was dented which cost him $5,000 in repairs. He had his license for almost two years and is still gaining experience with driving. His advice for new drivers is to not text and drive. 

Sophomore Ibn Mitchell was involved in an accident last November. He was being driven to school by a older neighbor and her sister. They were T-boned by a car running a red light. Him and one other passenger were sent to the hospital for injuries. The car was totalled. Even though she wasn’t at fault, his neighbor had had her license for less than a year. He says drivers should be careful when trying to beat a yellow light. Senior Madelyn Murphy scratched her car last winter when she was a newer driver. She had to pay $1,000 in repairs. She advises students to not skip school because “Karma will get you.”

Not all teen accidents are due to poor weather conditions. Many students got into wrecks due to their poor driving skills. 

Junior Anthony Sada hit another car while turning left from a right lane. There were minimal damages to his car, however the car he hit was dented. Sada crashed in October of 2025 and he had his license for six months at that point. His advice to new drivers is to be aware of their surroundings and what lane you’re in.

Senior Susan Koo had her license for a week when she was pulling out her car and scratched the car next to hers. This happened last spring and she advises all drivers to be careful and always check your surroundings. Senior Denver Qiao got into a wreck last spring. He had his license for five months at this point. Another car collided with his in a Taco Bell parking lot which cost him a new car. He was on the phone with someone at the time of the accident and he suggests to avoid talking on the phone while driving. 

In August, Junior Jenna Cummings was driving alongside her friend in the next lane when one of them turned and the two cars collided. She had had her license for three months. The other driver had had her license for less than a week at that point. The damage cost her $2,000 to repair. She says to not drive with your friends all the time so you don’t get distracted, she also says to be careful who you’re driving around. 

Drive Safe!