7 Reasons for Teen Car Accidents

Unfortunately, fatal car accidents are one of the top causes of death among teens in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of six teenagers die from car accident injuries every single day. When a teen causes a serious vehicle crash, the outcome can be devastating for the families of everyone involved, particularly if injuries in teen car accidents are fatal.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a teen driving accident, call a car accident attorney from Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 or contact us online.

7 Reasons for Teen Car Accidents

Teen drivers, especially males between the ages of 16 to 19, are at greater risk than any other age group for motor vehicle crashes. Because of this, many states choose to create specific driving laws for teens. In any event, there are seven major factors that contribute to the rate of teen car accidents:

1. Driver inexperience

Teens with less than two years of driving experience are not equipped to recognize and react to dangerous situations. Crash risk is particularly high during the first months after earning a license because teenagers are eager to hit the roads without inhibition. Good driving techniques develop through experience and young drivers will inevitably make more mistakes during the learning stages.

2. Distracted driving

Distracted driving includes engaging in any type of activity that takes your eyes and mind off the road, such as using a phone, eating, turning the radio, and chatting with passengers. Since driving requires cognitive, manual, and mental concentration, the tiniest distraction can lead to disaster. Distracted driving becomes even more dangerous at nighttime when visibility is reduced.

3. Not wearing seat belts

It has been proven that seat belts significantly reduce the risk of fatal and serious car accident injuries, and teenagers can endanger themselves and others by ignoring precautionary measures. In a 2013 survey, only slightly more than half of high school students said that they always wear a seat belt. Teenagers report the lowest rate of proper seat belt usage compared to other age groups.

4. Drinking and driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol can turn deadly even for experienced drivers. However, teenagers are generally more prone to engage in dangerous behaviors, and almost a quarter of teens report that they are willing to ride with a driver who had been drinking. Combined with lack of experience, driving while intoxicated becomes a common cause of teen motor vehicle accidents.

5. Reckless driving

Looking at teen car crashes, about 35 percent of young drivers are speeding at the time of the incident. Male teens are especially at risk for being involved in fatal reckless driving accidents. Other reckless driving practices include making illegal turns or lane changes, tailgating, and street racing.

6. Driving with teen passengers

One of the biggest distractions for young drivers is riding with friends in the passenger seat. Studies show that the presence of teen passengers can increase a young driver’s risk of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and engaging in reckless driving through peer pressure. Drivers might feel uncomfortable partaking in unsafe practices, but they also want to impress their friends.

7. Texting and driving

In today’s technological age, almost 80 percent of teens in America own a cell phone, and almost half of them have smartphones. Consequently, texting and driving has become a major cause of auto accidents involving teens. Aside from text messaging, social media use creates the same level of distraction for young drivers.

After my accident I was in pursuit of a law firm to handle my case. After careful consideration, I selected Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. The initial phone conversation left me with a comfortability I didn’t receive from other firms I spoke with. I felt content with the team handling my case. I was adequately informed of the case status. The team at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. worked diligently on my case. If you are in need of a law firm that will fight for you, try Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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How a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

It is important to guide teenagers through their first years of driving and educate them on safe driving practices. However, some accidents cannot be prevented. If you or your child suffered a serious car accident injury involving a teenage driver, you will need an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney for legal assistance.

Find out if Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. Call us now to schedule a free case consultation with one of our knowledgeable car accident injury attorneys or review some of our recent results that we have achieved.