Sadly, auto accidents are one of the leading causes of deaths for teens in the United States. But, most of these accidents are preventable. Just by knowing the facts, parents and teens alike can prevent these deadly accidents from continuing.
The Statistics Regarding Teen Drivers
According to the CDC, an estimated 2,650 teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were killed in 2011. There was an astounding 292,000 treated in local hospitals for injuries regarding accidents. It is estimated that seven teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 die each day in the U.S. from automobile accidents.
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Facts Parents Need to Know About Teen Drivers
1. Teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are at higher risk than any other age group. They are three times more likely to get in an accident than drivers over the age of 20.
2. Males were the highest at risk for accident between the ages of 16 and 19.
3. Studies report that 56 percent of teenagers admit to driving while talking on their cellphones.
4. Teenagers are pressured socially to not speak up when they recognize a friend is driving unsafely. In fact, only 44 percent of teenage drivers said they would speak up.
5. Teens are twice as likely to put on a seat belt if a parent is in the car.
6. About 40 percent of teenage automobile accidents and deaths occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
7. Teens learn their driving habits from their parents; therefore, parents can help their teens avoid deadly accidents by just providing them with good driving habits (and leading by example).
8. Teen drivers are more at risk for an accident each mile they drive over the speed limit.
9. In 2012, 23 percent of drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were involved in fatal accidents due to drinking alcohol.
10. Teens are more likely to underestimate dangerous driving situations.
Can You Protect Your Teen?
Even if you are not always in the car with your teen, there are things you can do to help prepare your teenage driver for the road. Some things parents can and should do to lower their child’s risk include:
● Enforcing seatbelts. Make sure your teen knows the importance of a seatbelt and always wear one yourself to lead by example.
● Talk with your teen about drinking and driving. Let them know their options for getting home safely without getting behind the wheel such as taking a cab, having a friend drive, or calling parents for a ride home.
● Take additional driver safety courses. These not only help better prepare your teenage driver, but they may even lower your auto insurance premiums.
Was Your Teenager Injured in an Automobile Accident?
While teens are more likely to get into an accident, that accident does not always mean the teen was at fault. If your teen was seriously injured or killed in an automobile accident, you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. The team of West Palm Beach accident attorneys at Fetterman and Associates, PA can help. To learn all of your options, call 561-845-2510 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.