You’re probably aware that teen drivers have a bad reputation for colliding with other vehicles. Teenagers are statistically the most likely group to cause a car accident, which is why insurance companies always charge extra to insure juvenile drivers.
Because kids are out of school and have more opportunity to drive during the summer, there is always an increase in teen automobile accidents during this time. Teens are responsible for nearly 50% more drunk driving accidents throughout the summer, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition, compared to the rest of the year, roughly twice as many teenagers will die in car accidents during the summer months.
In some cases the teens are putting themselves at serious risk
Of course, kids put themselves in peril when they drive while inebriated or preoccupied. They also endanger other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians with whom they may come into contact while on the road. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, every day during the summer season, an average of ten persons die in car accidents involving a teen driver.
To save lives, put an end to distracted driving
Teens’ brains aren’t fully matured, especially in the parts that handle risk and reward, which may contribute to their proclivity for vehicle accidents. This could lead to youth underestimating the dangers of certain maneuvers and creating accidents as a result of aggressive or irresponsible driving.
Distracted driving, on the other hand, plays an obviously substantial part in teen car accidents. One of the most dangerous distractions is using a cell phone while driving. Approximately 56% of high school students admit to chatting on their phone while driving, and 33% admit to sending a text or email while driving. Increased awareness that using a cell phone while driving slows a teen’s reaction time to that of a 70-year-old and doubles the chance of an accident could persuade youngsters to put their phones down and avoid accidents.
Have you been involved in an accident with a teen?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident caused by a teen driver, you should resist the urge to console the frightened teen. You don’t want to say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault or used to downplay the severity of your injuries.
You should limit your conversation with the other drivers involved in the accident to taking down their contact and insurance information. Next, if you are able, try to snap photographs of the accident area, including all car damage. Finally, get legal guidance from an experienced car accident injury attorney like Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn. Attorney Kahn may advise you on the amount of compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and suffering, as well as handle all insurance company discussions on your behalf.
Call us right now at (310) 209-1600 for a free initial consultation about your accident.
