Which statement about adolescent mortality is accurate?

Which statement about adolescent mortality is accurate?

• A. Homicide is the leading cause of death among adolescents.
• B. Suicide is the leading cause of death in adolescents.
• C. The United States has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy.
• D. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among adolescents.

Answer: (D)

In adolescence, unintentional injuries are the top cause of death, with motor vehicle crashes accounting for the largest share. This reflects teens’ driving inexperience, risk-taking behaviors, and time spent in vehicles, which together create a high crash risk. While suicide and homicide are serious and rank high on the list, they typically do not exceed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause. Also, teenage pregnancy is a birth-rate concern, not a mortality statistic, so it isn’t about deaths among adolescents.

In adolescence, unintentional injuries are the top cause of death, with motor vehicle crashes accounting for the largest share. This reflects teens’ driving inexperience, risk-taking behaviors, and time spent in vehicles, which together create a high crash risk. While suicide and homicide are serious and rank high on the list, they typically do not exceed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause. Also, teenage pregnancy is a birth-rate concern, not a mortality statistic, so it isn’t about deaths among adolescents.