Why Are Teen Drivers More Likely to Be Involved in a Car Accident?

 Posted on November 29, 2019 in Personal Injury

Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many teens in the United States. Although teenagers are often eager to get behind the wheel, they may pose a significant danger to both themselves as well as other motorists and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,255 teen drivers involved in fatal car crashes in 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Why is it that teen drivers are more susceptible to car accidents?

Inexperience on the Road

Teenagers do not have years of driving experience like most adult motorists do. Even after they have earned their driver’s license, teen drivers are still learning the rules of the road and how to react to certain driving conditions. For example, a teenage motorist may not know how to handle his or her car in heavy traffic or during a snowstorm. Due to their lack of knowledge and understanding, teenagers may be at a higher risk for auto accidents and injuries.

Distracted Driving

Vehicle accidents involving teenagers often occur because of activities that caused drivers to pay less than full attention to the act of driving. NHTSA statistics show that more than 220 teen drivers were killed in car accidents involving distracted driving in 2017. Visual, manual, and cognitive distractions may cause a teen motorist to lose concentration. Actions such as using a cell phone, talking to passengers, changing the radio station, and eating or drinking can all divert a teen driver’s attention away from the road.

Reckless Driving

A teenage motorist with limited experience or lack of supervision may not always make the best decisions. Teen drivers are often linked to serious traffic violations, such as drinking and driving, not wearing seat belts, deliberately disobeying traffic laws, or driving with too many passengers in their vehicle. Not only are reckless driving practices dangerous to the motorist who is committing them, but they are also hazardous to others on the road.

Contact a Naperville Personal Injury Attorney

Injuries suffered in a car crash can cause a great deal of difficulty for both the victim and his or her family. Extensive medical bills, loss of income, the physical and emotional pain resulting from an injury can result in financial harm that can last for years to come. If you have been in a traffic accident involving a teen driver, you should contact a skilled DuPage County car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have decades of experience helping victims seek compensation for injuries suffered in an auto accident. Call our office today at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation.