What is the leading cause of death for teens?
The number one killer of teens in the U.S. is motor vehicle crashes. Though teens only make up 6.7% of the total driving population they are involved in 14% of all fatal crashes.

Why so many fatalities? Well, according to statistics, many weren't wearing seatbelts, had a blood alcohol level at or higher than .10 (above the legal limit), and were speeding at the time of the crash. What's worse, 65% of these fatalities are made up of teen passengers, not teen drivers.

What are the chances that a teen will be orphaned before the age of 18?
Chances are actually pretty low. In recent government studies, out of nearly 75,000,000 children and teens living in the U.S. in 2001 only 4% of those living with grandparents, other relatives, or foster parents were parentless--roughly 300,000.

That sounds like a lot, but considering the ratio of people under 18 with parents compared to those with not, you're much more likely to outlive your parents than not.

How many teens commit suicide?
The rate of suicide among teens and young adults (ages 15-24) accounted for 14% of all suicides in 1999. While suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, it is the third for teens. There are several resources available to help prevent suicide (see next page).