Many teenagers throughout the United States look forward to the day they can get their driver’s license and become more independent. However, car accidents are the second leading cause of death among teens in this country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Approximately seven teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 died and hundreds more were injured every day in motor vehicle crashes in 2019. The risk of being involved in a collision is particularly high during the first months of having a driver’s license.
The following are the five common causes of car accidents involving teen drivers:
Distracted driving – From cellphones and passengers to eating and grooming, distractions can be dangerous for young and inexperienced drivers. Distractions can take your eyes away from the road, your hands away from the steering wheel, and your mind away from the main task of operating a vehicle.
Drunk driving – While the legal age for consuming alcohol is 21 years old, U.S. teens still engage in underage drinking. Any amount of alcohol will impair a teenager’s ability to drive and increase the risk of an accident. Teen drivers are more at risk of being involved in a crash compared to older drivers with the same blood alcohol content (BAC).
Driver inexperience – Teenagers are nearly more likely than older drivers to commit decision errors resulting in serious collisions. Additionally, teens are more likely than adults to not recognize or underestimate hazardous road conditions. Such inexperience also often leads to speeding and reckless driving.
Nighttime driving – Although fatal crashes involving all ages often occur when it’s dark outside, the risk is especially higher for teenagers. In 2019, 40 percent of fatal car accidents involving teens aged 13 through 19 occurred between 9 pm and 6 am.
Not using seat belts – Whether it’s driving or riding as a passenger, teens and young adults generally have the lowest seat belt use rates in comparison to other age groups. In 2019, nearly half of teen drivers and passengers between 16 and 19 who passed away in car accidents were not buckled up at the time of the incident.
Fortunately, teen driving accidents can be prevented. Parents need to make sure their children are aware of the leading causes of crashes involving teens.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Albuquerque, NM, call Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law at (505) 219-2176 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.