Dangerous Choices Teen Drivers Make

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

Teen-related car accidents are every parent’s worst fear. Handing keys over to the teen in your life when they are finally legal to drive is perhaps one of the most nerve-wracking things you will experience as a parent or mentor throughout the course of their lifetime. The freedom that may be given to a teen when they acquire a driver’s license is a positive, exciting experience, but it also opens them up to a number of new dangers on the road, increasing their overall risk of being involved in a collision. Teen Driving Behaviors That Place Them - and Everyone around Them - at Risk According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), research shows that inexperienced drivers, typically 16 and 17 years of age, dominate many fatal crash statistics. Certain driving behaviors in particular significantly increase a teen’s chance of causing or being involved in a collision. Adults and teenagers alike are guilty of these habits, but teens tend to be more easily influenced by their peers and are more likely to make such decisions behind the wheel. Ignoring Seat Belts -  This is one of the most common choices teens make behind the wheel, which in turn places everyone at risk. According to data from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) and the Fatality Analysis Report System (FARS), teen years are a critical time for seat belt habits. Studies show that seat belt use declines during these years and that encouragement and awareness are strongly needed. Studies also indicate that parents, in particular, play a huge role in the prevention of accident and injury among teen drivers, and that simple reminders to use seat belts can make a significant difference in nationwide fatality statistics. Distracted Driving - Distracted driving problems have been on the increase over the last decade due to a shift in access to technological devices behind the wheel. Teens are especially susceptible to texting and talking on the phone while driving, but other behaviors, such as interacting with other passengers, eating, or playing with the radio are all to blame for distracted driving-related accidents and injury.

Influenced Driving - Sadly, due to peer pressure and other external influences, many teens make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs, such as marijuana. Not only does this put them at risk for accident and injury, it also places them at risk for the serious consequences that accompany breaking underage drinking and driving laws. NHTSA statistics show that when the consumption of alcohol is involved, the severity of crashes among 15 to 20-year-olds is increased. There is also a correlation between the tendency for underage, teen drivers who have been drinking and driving to also not use seat belt restraints, which further enhances the chances for such accidents to be fatal.

The NHTSA reports that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among teen drivers. While we cannot prevent each and every teen from being involved in an accident, we can play a role in the prevention of injury and life-threatening collisions by raising awareness and living by example.

If you find yourself in a collision due to negligent teen driving, you need to speak with a skilled Lake County car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.

Source:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Teen+Drivers/Teen+Drivers+Education/Teen+Drivers+-+Graduated+Driver+Licensing