What is the leading cause of death for youth ages 16-24?

The leading cause of death for youth ages 16-24 is traffic crashes. This demographic is particularly at risk due to several factors, including inexperience behind the wheel, higher likelihood of risky driving behaviors such as speed, impaired driving, and distractions from mobile devices. The combination of these elements results in a significant number of fatalities among young drivers.

Traffic accidents account for a substantial proportion of unexpected deaths in this age group, overshadowing other causes. While drug overdose, violent crimes, and suicide are serious concerns and notably affect young individuals, statistical data consistently shows that motor vehicle accidents represent the most significant risk of fatality within this specific age range. This underscores the importance of education and preventive measures aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing risky behaviors among young drivers.