Why Teen Drivers Are Involved in More Car Accidents
Teen drivers are involved in more car accidents than adult drivers. In fact, plenty of statistics prove this to be true, and we will go through them in this article. So, if you have a teen driver or know someone who does, they must understand the risks associated with driving at this age and take steps to prevent these accidents from happening.
According to data from IIHS, the number of teens driving cars is less, but the number of crashes is high. Data shows that the rate of fatal crashes per every mile driven is 3 times more compared to drivers aged 20 and above. Here are some of the main reasons why teen drivers cause more car accidents than adult drivers.
Teen Drivers Are Less Experienced
The most obvious reason is that teens are simply less experienced. It’s not like they’ve been driving for years and suddenly got their driver’s license at 16. Teen drivers practice behind the wheel much less than older adults, so they’re more likely to make mistakes in unfamiliar situations or adverse conditions.
This makes them more prone to making accidents. In their learning phase, understanding the functions of various car parts such as the BMW oil pan, which ensures proper lubrication of engine components, could help teen drivers appreciate the intricate workings of a vehicle and, in turn, foster more responsible driving behavior. However, they are not always the only ones at fault. There are chances that an adult’s or senior person’s fault would lead to an accident that can injure the teen. For example, a wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle accident in Nashua.
If that’s the case, you should take help from a lawyer to file a personal injury claim. It is best to get help from a local attorney. Considering the same example above, you must connect with a lawyer in Nashua. But the locality alone is not enough. You should also go for the experience.
Work with a law firm, as the firm will help you get all the information required for the personal injury case. You can connect with the Sweeney Merrigan Auto Accident Law Firm in Nashua. The firm specializes in auto accident cases. If the other driver is at fault, the attorneys from the firm will help you gather evidence and prove his or her negligence, helping you win the case.
Teen Drivers Often Drive at Night and During Weekend
Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents at night or on the weekend. In fact, CDC says that almost 40% of car accidents involving teenagers occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
It’s not surprising that teen drivers have higher rates of crashes. They’re more likely to drive after dark when visibility is lower, and they don’t have as much experience driving in such conditions compared with adult drivers who drive all day long every day of their work lives.
Also, teen drivers tend not to be as alert when they first get behind the wheel. They may get drowsy after staying up late during the week or drinking alcohol before hitting the road at night on weekends or holidays. In fact, data from the NSC website shows that most car accidents happen during the weekend, regardless of age.
Teen Drivers Don’t Understand the Risks of Speeding
One of the biggest causes of car accidents is speeding. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Speed limits are set for a reason, and driving faster than the posted limit is illegal. A study by NHTSA concludes that 31% of male teenagers aged between 15 and 20 years were speeding during a crash, and 17% of females in the same age group were also doing so.
However, teens often don’t understand the risks they’re taking when they speed, and they should. If you’re driving under the influence or texting while driving, speeding can lead to even worse consequences like jail time or fines.
Teens Are More Aggressive Than Adult Drivers
The truth is teens tend to be more aggressive than adult drivers. According to a study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, young people are generally more aggressive. They’re more likely to speed and take risks, they’re more likely to get distracted while driving, and they’re less likely to wear seat belts. Teens are also more likely than their older counterparts to drink and drive.
This can’t be said enough. The moment you decide that Driving is a privilege earned and not a right given is when you start making safer decisions behind the wheel. You’ll think twice about speeding or cruising through a yellow light just because there isn’t much traffic around, which will help keep you out of accidents in the first place.
Teens Often Drink and Drive
It is illegal to drink and drive. It’s also dangerous, which is why it’s illegal. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to Driving Under the Influence, which carries severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and license suspension. In addition to these penalties, drinking and Driving increases your risk of getting into an accident, causing injuries or even death.
According to NHTSA data, 19% of teenagers killed in car crashes in 2018 had consumed alcohol above allowed levels. Besides alcohol, teenagers also drive after using marijuana and other substances.
According to a recent research analysis, 57% of teenagers aged 17 who consume marijuana were found driving after using marijuana. This shows that teenagers are more likely to drive under the influence, risking their and others’ lives.
Teens Don’t Put On Their Seat Belts
Seat belts are a great way to protect yourself from the dangers of driving. They help you stay in your seat if your car crashes and keeps you from hitting your head on the steering wheel or other hard surfaces inside the car. But sadly, many teens don’t wear their seat belts while driving. And this is why they become part of more accidents than adults do.
According to new research by the NHTSA, only 97.6% of teens put on their seat belts, the lowest among all the four age groups. This is because they think it’s too inconvenient or uncomfortable to wear them all the time.
But the truth is that not wearing a seat belt when you drive can put you at risk of severe injuries if something goes wrong, like getting into an accident or having an accident happen on its own without anything else happening first.
Conclusion
So, what can you do to ensure your teen driver’s safety on the roads? First and foremost, understand that risks are involved and that you need to be prepared for them. Second, talk with them about their driving habits and what they’re doing behind the wheel.
If you see anything dangerous, talk about how these things can affect their safety and others around them. Finally, ensure they know how important seat belts are when it comes down to them.
