Final answer:
The fatality rate due to automobile accidents is high for teens aged 15-24 due to factors such as inexperience, risky behaviors, peer influence, and developmental factors. Efforts like driver education programs and graduated driver licensing systems can help reduce this rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fatality rate due to automobile accidents is high for teens aged 15-24 for several reasons:
- Inexperience: Teens in this age group have less experience behind the wheel, and may lack the ability to recognize and respond to hazardous situations efficiently.
- Risky behaviors: Teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as speeding, not wearing seat belts, or distracted driving, which increases their chances of being involved in a fatal accident.
- Peer influence: Teenagers are often influenced by their peers to take risks while driving, which can lead to reckless behavior and higher fatality rates.
- Developmental factors: The adolescent brain is still developing, specifically the parts responsible for decision-making and impulse control. This can contribute to poor judgment and risky driving behaviors.
Efforts such as driver education programs, graduated driver licensing systems, and parental involvement can help reduce the fatality rate among teen drivers.