3 Major Factors That Contribute to Teenage Car Accidents

 Posted on April 22, 2020 in Car Accident

Whether you have a teen of your own who recently started driving, or you know a parent with a new teen driver in the family, encouraging roadway safety for teenagers among our community as a whole helps protect everyone on the highway from car accidents and injuries. In today’s technology-centric world, many parents, teachers, and friends assume that the number-one risk for teens behind the wheel is distracted driving, such as texting and cell phone use. While it is true that distracted driving is responsible for 25-50 percent of all accidents according to AAA, it is important to be aware that texting and talking on the phone only accounts for a fraction of risky driving behaviors. Many other forms of reckless driving exist, and these other factors often contribute to the teen-related car accident statistics we hear about.

Teen Vehicle Collisions: More Than Just Distracted Driving

When drivers are operating a motor vehicle, they must be alert and focus their attention on the road ahead of them, as well as their surroundings. This is especially true for new motorists who lack the experience of driving in traffic, inclement weather, or construction zones. In addition to being distracted by their cell phones, there are other dangerous behaviors that teen drivers may engage in that can ultimately cause a car accident, such as the following:

1. Scientific studies show that background music matters. Did you know that research shows that music significantly affects how we drive? This is true for everyone, especially teens. Changes in tempo and volume, as well as how emotionally invested someone is in a song while they are listening, can all impact the way a driver operates a vehicle. Studies also show that genres matter. For example, the pop, rap, and hip-hop music that teenagers typically listen to has faster beats and tempos, and teens also tend to listen to songs at very high volumes, all of which encourage faster and more reckless driving behaviors.

2. Risk is linked to access to alcohol. One of the most telling problems linked to risky teen driving is the fact that alcohol is still so accessible to young drivers, despite their age and the liquor laws in place. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens have a much greater risk of fatality from alcohol-related driving than the rest of the population. As parents and members of our communities, we need to focus on reducing this kind of access to alcohol for our teens just as much, if not more, than simply lecturing them or trying to raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. One way we can do this is by being proactive and carefully monitoring the alcohol in our own homes, including where and how we keep it stored.

3. Overwhelming evidence points to a lack of seat belt use. The NHTSA has revealed that both teen drivers and passengers are the least likely to wear seat belts, and the lack of a vehicle restraint is yet another contributing factor leading to car accidents and injuries among our teenage population. Studies have shown that in fatal teen crashes specifically, nearly 60 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 were unbuckled. Enforcement of seat belt laws, the publicizing of these laws, and educational programs that complement them, along with parents who reiterate their importance, all go a long way toward raising awareness and preventing injuries on the roadways.

Contact a Palatine Personal Injury Attorney

Young motorists are inexperienced, and they often have a reputation for engaging in negligent actions behind the wheel. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a teen-related vehicle collision, it is crucial that you speak with a skilled and dedicated Arlington Heights car accident lawyer. At Newland & Newland LLP, we will work hard to protect your rights to compensation for your injuries. Call our office today at 847-797-8000 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://one.nhtsa.gov/Driving-Safety/Teen-Drivers/Teen-Drivers-Education/Teen-Drivers-%E2%80%93-Additional-Resources

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201604/teenage-driving