One of the main causes of death among teens in the U.S. is motor vehicle accidents. In 2011, approximately 2650 teens between ages 16-19 were killed in motor vehicle accidents and almost 292,000 teens were admitted to the emergency department for injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents. This figure reveals that almost 7 teens between 16-19 years die of motor vehicle accidents every day in the U.S.
FACTORS INFLUENCING TEEN DRIVING ACCIDENTS
- Speeding is a main factor for teen accidents in the U.S. In the year 2012, among teen drivers between 15 and 20 years of age, it was found that 37% of them were speeding at the time of the accident.
- Another cause of accidents among teens is low use of seat belts. According to a study in 2013, it was found that only 55% of high school students wore seat belts when driving with someone else.
- Alcohol is another factor influencing teen accidents. In 2012, 23% of drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents admitted to drinking while driving.
- Distractions such as talking/ texting on the phone, eating, drinking, or listening to music too loudly can also influence teen accidents.
- Wearing seat belts while driving can reduce serious injuries and even death in a motor vehicle accident.
- It is recommended that there should be proper law related to drinking for drivers under the age of 21.
- Teen drivers should be enrolled in the graduated licensing systems program to reduce the chance of accidents. A study revealed that graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programs reduce 38% to 40% of accidents among 16-year-old teen drivers.
CONTACT GANIM INJURY LAWYERS
If you or your loved one has been involved in a teen driving accident, then contact and speak to the car accident attorney at Ganim Injury Lawyers. We serve Connecticut’s Bridgeport, Milford, New Haven, Stamford, Danbury, Darien and Fairfield county areas.
Call us at (203)445-6542 / (877)828-4279 or email at george@ganiminjurylawyers.com .