Even though the number of drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 has been declining over the years, this age group has nearly three times the fatalities from motor vehicle accidents as older drivers. The people most at risk of car accidents in Alabama are 16-year-old drivers.
How often do 16-year-old drivers get into car crashes?
According to Geico, the percentage of car crashes caused by 16-year-old drivers in their first year of driving is 25%. The rate for older teens is lower, indicating that experience eventually comes into play. Nevertheless, car accidents remain the leading cause of death for teenagers.
Factors involved in teenage car accidents
As noted, inexperience is a big factor in teenage car accidents. Many new drivers simply don’t know the proper responses when an animal jumps in front of their vehicle, the car in front suddenly stops or another vehicle veers into their lane.
Another high-risk factor in teen accidents is a new teen driver with teenage friends in the vehicle. This makes it easy for the driver to become distracted with what’s going on around them. Some other factors in teen car accidents include distracted driving while eating or using a cell phone. Of course, underage drinking and driving is also a tremendous risk.
An accident can be deadly or life-altering. If you were in an accident with a teenage driver, you may want to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney after receiving medical attention.
Instilling proper behavior in teenage drivers
It is the responsibility of parents, educators and society as a whole to instill and reinforce responsible driving habits in teens. For their own safety and that of the people who share the road with them, they should have certain lessons emphasized. Though accidents cannot always be avoided, you can take some precautions before taking to the road. Avoid distracted driving, stay aware of your surroundings and don’t allow passengers to distract you. Wait to use your cell phone for calls, texts or emails until you are safely parked at your destination.