What is a leading cause of death in adolescents?

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death in adolescents. This demographic is particularly vulnerable due to a combination of factors including inexperience behind the wheel, risk-taking behaviors, and the prevalence of distractive practices such as texting while driving. Additionally, adolescents tend to have less developed decision-making skills and may engage in behaviors like speeding or driving under the influence, all of which contribute to the higher incidence of fatal accidents.

While substance abuse, heart disease, and cancer are significant health issues for this age group, they do not surpass motor vehicle collisions when considering overall mortality rates. Substance abuse can lead to various health complications and accidents, but it is less likely to directly result in death compared to the immediate consequences of motor vehicle accidents. Heart disease, while a leading cause of death in older populations, is relatively rare in adolescents. Cancer is also a critical health concern but does not account for as many deaths among adolescents as motor vehicle accidents do. Therefore, the prominence of motor vehicle collisions in this age group highlights the need for continued education on safe driving practices and the risks associated with driving at a young age.