Have a new driver behind the wheel? Unfortunately, Missouri may not be the best place for them to learn, according to a new WalletHub study.
For many teens, getting a driver's license is a major milestone that brings newfound freedom and independence — but it also comes with significant risks. Car crashes are the leading cause of death among Missouri teens, according to Save MO Lives. The financial toll is also substantial, with motor vehicle crashes involving people ages 13 to 19 costing an estimated $40.7 billion annually in medical expenses, vehicle damage and lost productivity, the WalletHub study found.
To determine the best and worst states for teen drivers, WalletHub evaluated all 50 states using a variety of measures related to safety,
costs and driving laws.
Here is what to know about Missouri's ranking.
Missouri ranks near the bottom for teen drivers
WalletHub ranked Missouri No. 49 among the 50 states, with only Montana faring worse.
For its analysis, WalletHub evaluated states across 23 metrics, including the number of teen driver fatalities, average cost of car repairs and the presence of impaired-driving laws. The metrics were then grouped into three categories: Safety, Economic Environment and Driving Laws.
Missouri's scores were well below average across the board, with the state ranking dead last in driving laws and second-to-last in safety.
- Safety: 49
- Economic Environment: 36
- Driving Laws: 50
As such, Missouri earned a total score of 29.16 out of 100.
WalletHub 10 best states for teen drivers
- New York
- Oregon
- New Jersey
- Indiana
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Maine
WalletHub 10 worst states for teen drivers
- Montana (No. 50)
- Missouri (No. 49)
- Mississippi (No. 48)
- Wyoming (No. 47)
- Alabama (No. 46)
- Nebraska (No. 45)
- Idaho (No. 44)
- South Dakota (No. 43)
- New Hampshire (No. 42)
- North Dakota (No. 41)
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri ranked one of the worst states for teen drivers. Why?
