You Should Know about Teens in Car Accidents
Everyone makes mistakes, including teenagers and young adults who are prone to lapses in judgment—especially behind the wheel. Unfortunately, youthful mistakes behind the wheel of a car can be serious and even cost lives.
Whether you are the parent of a young driver, or you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a teen motorist, it is important to speak to a Boca Raton car accident attorney if you have sustained personal injuries.
It is also important to arm yourself with knowledge about teen driving habits. No matter how prepared you think you are to parent a teen driver or navigate the road alongside young people, some of these facts may surprise you…
1. Young Males Have the Highest Crash Rates
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHHS), the fatal crash rate per mile driven for those in the 16 to 19-year-old age group is three times higher than the rate for drivers over age 20. Read more about these statistics and others here.
2. Peer Pressure Causes Accidents
Accidents among teen drivers are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Less driving experience
- Distractions, such as Smartphone use
- Peer pressure to take unnecessary risks
- Greater inclination to drive recklessly
3. Teens Are the Deadliest Drivers on the Road
The IIHS also reports that teen motorists are more dangerous on the road than every other age group except the most elderly drivers.
4. Studies Show Graduated Licensing Programs Save Lives
Most states introduce driving privileges on a graduated basis. Studies show that restricting teens from nighttime driving and driving with passengers lowers crash rates.
5. Alcohol Is a Major Problem
Mixing alcohol and driving is a problem no matter what the driver’s age. When teens drink and drive, however, their risk of a fatal accident goes up dramatically. In 2013, 17 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 involved in a fatal accident had a blood alcohol concentration higher than .08 percent.
Learn more about drinking and driving here. Also read about the legal consequences of drinking and driving accidents according to a Boca Raton drunk driving accident attorney here.
6. Parents Can Lower the Risk by Modeling Good Behavior
The IIHS recommends investing in thorough driver education. As the old saying goes: practice makes perfect. More supervised hours behind the wheel and on the road can go a long way toward getting teens more driving experience and making them more comfortable in the driver’s seat.
Parents should also model appropriate driving behaviors for their kids. Research shows that teenagers mimic what they see their parents do behind the wheel.
If your commute includes applying makeup, engaging in texting, or eating a meal as you drive, remember that your teen is likely observing everything you do on the road. Make it a point to avoid distractions behind the wheel – your kids will be more likely to follow suit.
7. Teens Should Have a Safe Vehicle to Drive
Finally, the IIHS encourages parents to ensure their children have safe vehicles to drive. Although few families have the resources to purchase a brand new, top-of-the-line vehicle for their teens, it’s worthwhile to invest in a sturdy and reliable used or new vehicle that ranks high in all safety categories. Also make sure your teen’s vehicle is thoroughly serviced and maintained before he or she hits the road.
Compensation for Victims of Motor Vehicle Accidents with a Boca Raton Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your physical pain, financial losses, and other damages. After a motor vehicle accident, it is hard to know what steps to take next. It’s normal to feel confused.
Whether you have been injured by a teen driver, a drunk driver, or in an accident involved a tractor-trailer, help is available from your Boca Raton car accident attorney.
Visit here to get started with a Boca Raton car accident lawyer today.
