Oklahoma may not be the best place for teen drivers. According to data from WalletHub, the Sooner State ranked 47 out of 50 for the best states for adolescent drivers. That’s only above others like Mississippi, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Why Oklahoma ranks so low
WalletHub took several factors into account when calculating its results, like overall safety, economic impact of driving or traffic violations, and local driving laws. Oklahoma ranked among the ten worst states in multiple subcategories, including:
- Vehicle miles traveled per capita
- Percentage of teen drivers out of total drivers
- Number of teens with drivers licenses
- Maximum offense fines for not wearing a seatbelt
The study also notes that the quality of Oklahoma roads are not up to par. According to WalletHub, 42% of the state’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition. However, Oklahoma ranked highly for its drunk driving policies.
Driving advice parents can give their teens
While there are some things Oklahoma teens can’t control, many still face injuries out on the road. However, parents can reduce those risks by giving them the following tips:
- Put the phone away
- Avoid having more than one person in the car at a time
- Avoid consuming drugs or alcohol behind the wheel
- Don’t get in a car with someone who is under the influence
- Only drive the posted speed limit
- Always wear a seatbelt
Despite its ranking, driving quality for Oklahoma teens has improved over time. However, it’s still important they know where the state stands and how they can protect themselves from the unexpected.