Summer months are the most dangerous for teen drivers. In fact, the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” for teen drivers due to the number of fatalities caused by drivers between 16 years old and 20 years old. During these weeks, fatal car accidents involving teen drivers increase by 15 percent on average, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
It is well known that one of the biggest public safety risk for teens is driving accidents. Teens are involved in more automobile accidents than any other age group. These crashes are the leading cause of death for teens.
During the summer, teenagers find themselves with more time on their hands while schools are closed for the season. The additional free time translates into more opportunities to be on the road. With that in mind, in time for the start of the summer driving season, automobile safety groups have made an effort to get the word out to teen drivers and their parents about the dangers teens encounter behind the wheel.
What Factors Cause Dangerous Driving for Teens?
Some common dangers that teenagers encounter include the following:
- Inexperience: Simply by the nature of their age, teen drivers often have not had the driving practice required to make the most informed choices about driving safety. They also have less experience with split-second reactions to avoid collisions. The best way to prepare to be a safer driver is to apply good driving techniques. Many teens have not had enough experience behind the wheel to avoid costly miscalculations for speed, stopping, reacting, and driving defensively.
- Disregard for the rules: Sometimes, a teenager’s immaturity causes the teen to ignore driving protocols and safety rules. Teenagers are not the only age group that commits traffic violations, but as a group, they disproportionately defy speed limits and other driving laws.
- Distracted driving: Teens are certainly not the only drivers who become distracted, but distracted driving is one of the leading causes of teen-related traffic accidents every year. The distractions often involve texting or making calls on a cellphone. Also, passengers in the car can cause the driver to lose focus.
- Drinking and driving: Just like distracted driving, drunk driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors to engage in while driving. The decision to drive while intoxicated creates a dangerous situation for all drivers.
What Can Parents do to Prevent Teen Driving Accidents?
Be a good role model. While you drive with your teen, obey traffic laws, display patience with other drivers, wear your seat belt, and refrain from using your cellphone.
Do not condone underage drinking. Whether it is at your house or not, your teen should know that underage drinking can be dangerous, especially while driving.
Have a plan. Talk with your teen about the risks of driving. Make a pact that says you promise to pick them up, no questions asked, to save them from making bad decisions.
If an accident occurs due to the negligence of another driver, contact a lawyer right away. A lawyer will help you and your teen through the legal process.
Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Help All Car Accident Victims
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a teen driver or you are a teen driver that was in an accident, you may be able to collect damages. Our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC can help you obtain compensation for your accident. Contact us online or call us at 732-454-3306 for a free consultation. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
