Which is a common safety concern for adolescents?

• A. Sleep problems
• B. Nutritional deficiencies
• C. Allergies
• D. Risk-taking behaviors (driving, substance use)

Answer: (D)

Adolescence is a time when seeking independence is high, but judgment and impulse control are still developing. This combination makes risk-taking behaviors, especially driving and substance use, a major safety concern. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, driven by inexperience, speeding, distractions, and peer influence. Substances impair coordination, reaction time, and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of accidents, poisoning, or injuries. From a developmental perspective, the teen brain is wired so the reward system is highly active while the prefrontal cortex that governs impulse control is still maturing, which helps explain why risk-taking is more common in this age group.

Sleep problems, nutritional deficiencies, and allergies are important health issues for adolescents, but they do not pose the same immediate, direct safety risk to the degree that risk-taking activities like driving and substance use do. Emphasizing safe driving practices, avoiding substances, and teaching decision-making and refusal skills are key safety-focused priorities in adolescent care.