Which of the following is a common risk factor for teen drivers?

Driving with friends in the vehicle is identified as a common risk factor for teen drivers due to several factors related to peer influence and distraction. When teens are accompanied by friends, the atmosphere can become social and engaging, which may lead to increased distraction. The presence of friends often encourages riskier behaviors, such as playing loud music, engaging in conversation, or even participating in horseplay, all of which can take the teen's focus off the road.

Additionally, studies have shown that the likelihood of accidents increases significantly when teens drive with other teens compared to when they drive alone or with adult passengers. This is partly because young passengers may not prioritize safety in the same way an adult would. Consequently, the combination of inexperience as a driver and the distractions posed by peer passengers creates a higher risk for accidents among teen drivers.

In contrast, driving alone is often considered safer as it eliminates these distractions, while driving with adult passengers provides a level of guidance and supervision, which can help mitigate risks. Similarly, having a nighttime curfew is a preventative measure aimed at reducing the likelihood of driving in more dangerous conditions, which tends to be at night when visibility is lower and potential hazards may be more prevalent.