The summer can be an especially dangerous time for teen drivers. With more celebrations and the freedom that comes from not being in school, teens are more likely to be behind the wheel and thus more likely to be injured in a car accident. According to the highway safety advocacy group We Save Lives, teen drivers face a 43 percent fatal crash rate during the summer months. June, July and August have been designated the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers. Statistics reveal the number of car crash deaths involving teens increases 26 percent during summer months, with an average of 260 fatalities per month. The following are some of the most common causes of teen accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving results in an estimated 60 percent of motor vehicle accidents involving teen drivers. Other passengers in the car present the greatest distraction risk, with 15 percent of teen driver crashes resulting from passenger distractions. When a teen driver has a passenger in the car, the likelihood of a crash occurring increases by 44 percent. Distracted driving involving texting or talking on a cell phone occurred in 12 percent of teen driver crashes.
Drunk Driving and Drugged Driving
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs presents another significant risk for teen drivers. Research indicates teen drivers are 17 times more likely to be fatally injured in a crash when their blood alcohol levels hit 0.08 percent (the legal limit in many states) compared to nondrinking teen drivers.
For teens, the consequences of driving while drunk or drugged can be catastrophic. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol places individuals at risk for causing great bodily harm to themselves and others. It also may result in an arrest that can negatively impact a teen’s goal of attending college or obtaining certain employment. Teen drivers who face charges related to drunk or drugged driving will see significant increases to the cost of their car insurance.
Parents should remain responsible and not serve alcohol or drugs at parties within their homes. Allowing a teen driver to call you in order to remove themselves from bad driving situations without facing punishment can prevent accidents. Many parents encourage their teen drivers to live by the “Courage to Intervene” pledge set forth by We Save Lives, which promotes the refusal of teens to be passengers of friends who are drunk, drugged or distracted.
Drowsy Driving
Driving during late hours or on weekends can place teen drivers at risk to be involved in motor vehicle accidents as other drivers are more likely to be fatigued during that time. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports the fatality rate for 16 year old drivers doubles at night.
Inexperience
Inexperience also plays a major role in the 100 dangerous days of summer for teen drivers. With less driving experience under their belts, teen drivers tend to take more risks and misjudge certain traffic situations and challenges associated with inclement weather. Many teens fail to drive the appropriate speed. Speeding or driving too slow can be deadly in certain road conditions. Failing to wear seatbelts is another risk factor more prevalent with teen drivers.
Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Advocate for Victims of Teen Driving Accidents
If you have been injured in a car accident, an experienced Delaware County car accident lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. With offices conveniently located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve car accident victims throughout Chester County, Delaware County and the greater Philadelphia area. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 610-565-3701 or contact us online.