NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Speeding, distracted driving and alcohol are putting teenagers at risk on the road, with teen vehicle deaths on the rise.

Tennessee is listed among the most dangerous states for teenage drivers.

Schools are out for the summer, which means more people are hitting the road, including teen drivers.

“They just don’t have the experience yet, like anyone that is new to anything that you’re doing,” Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Miller said.

Troopers said teenagers’ driving inexperience can be dangerous.

According to the most recent data from Zutobi.com in 2023, Tennessee had 41 deaths for every 100,000 teenage drivers.

“Tennessee is a very unique state,” Miller said. “It’s growing in population, motor vehicle traffic, we still have a lot of rural highways, which pose problems for us when it comes to young drivers.”

Investigators said the top causes for teenage driving deaths are alcohol, distracted driving and speeding.

“The slower you go, the safer you are,” Miller said.

They also encouraged drivers to buckle up.

“We see a lot of white young white males drive unrestrained in pick-up trucks,” Miller said. “We don’t know why that is, but it’s something we’re working hard to find out, educate and correct.”

Troopers said parents should talk with their teens about safe driving habits to help prevent a heartbreaking knock at the door.

“When they see us at their door, they know you’re not there to give them good news,” Miller said. “That their world has just shattered. That their kid has been killed in a car crash.”

Zutobi.com ranked Tennessee as the third most dangerous state for teen drivers behind Mississippi and Kentucky. Alaska is considered the safest state.