DMV: New York ranked safest state for teen drivers for third consecutive year

ALBANY, NY- New York has been ranked as the safest state for teen drivers for the third consecutive year, according to a safety analysis by WalletHub.

The study examines many factors, including the number of teen driver fatalities, the availability of driver education and the existence of driver training and impaired driving laws.

“We’re thrilled to achieve this ranking, and we will continue to educate young people to better prepare them to be safer and more responsible drivers,” said New York’s Acting DMV Commissioner, Christian Jackstadt.

The WalletHub analysis also found that New York has the most driving schools per capita, the third-fewest teen DUI arrests per capita, and that New York has nearly all the optimal driving laws recommended by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

The study looked at 23 key metrics from across all 50 states, specifically looking at safety, accidents and injuries, and state laws.

Car crashes remain a leading cause of death for teens aged 16 to 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

In 2024, New York State teen drivers were over-represented in crashes: 7-percent of the drivers in crashes were 16-20, while representing only 4 percent of all licensed drivers.

NYS DMV image.