Teenage Driver Accidents: Statistics

Young California drivers (aged 15 20) were responsible for the death of nearly 600 in 2008, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Over 210 of these fatalities occurred in the driver and more than 160 in passengers of a teen driver. The sad fact, when it comes to teenage driver accidents, statistics show that the crash rate for drivers 16 19 years old is almost 3x more than all other ages.

While the day a teenager receives his or her license is usually one of the most highly anticipated, the journey to safe driving has only begun. Unfortunately, many teens do not think of safety first, especially when getting behind the wheel with friends.

At Phillips Law Group, we understand the frustration that can follow an auto accident, especially when due to a negligent driver. If you have been involved in a collision with a teen driver, we may be able to help.

Learn more about your legal options fill out the Free Case Review form to your right to hear from us.

Risk Factors Involved with Teen Drivers

Besides having beginner status, teenagers behind the wheel tend to have a laissez-faire attitude toward safe driving habits. This may easily be attributed to the freedom of the open road one may feel when finally allowed to control a vehicle independently. Unfortunately, some common threads exist when it comes to collisions with teenage drivers.

Common causes of teen-driver caused accidents:

• Speeding
• Careless driving
• Reckless driving
• Tailgating / following too closely
• Distractions while driving
• Fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Improper turning maneuvers
• Improper passing or lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Failure to follow traffic signals
• Failure to use proper signals
• Driving on the wrong side of the road (racing, attempting to pass, etc.)

The disregard for safety that can lead to many of these factors also has an influence on the reason why many teens are severely and fatally injured: failure to wear a safety belt.

Improving Teenage Driver Accidents & Statistics

While drivers 19 and under may have only made up just under 5% of all licensed drivers in 2009, they were accountable for more than 12% of all accidents, according to the U.S. Census. In order to reduce the number of severe accidents involving teenage drivers each year, it is important for teens to realize how important safety is while behind the wheel. This is especially true for males 16 – 19, as they are 2x more likely to die in an auto accident than female teens.

Some tips for teens to stay safe while driving include:

• Do not use your cellphone or other devices while driving; pull over if you need to use any electronic device
• Do not speed
• Do not drink and drive
• Do not drive with many passengers, or set rules in your vehicle to avoid distractions
• Let your family know where you are going, when, and when you expect to return
• Always wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers buckle up

There is simply no reason or excuse for taking any of these risks. As exhilarating as it may be to finally be able to travel independently, the fact of the matter is that inexperience on the road is a liability.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Aside from the dangers, you can pose to yourself and others by ignoring road safety, driving recklessly can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges.

Contact Our Law Firm

The reality of teenage driver accidents and statistics is grim and cautionary. If you have been involved in an accident with a young driver, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for the damages to your vehicle and your person.

The auto accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group are dedicated to defending the rights of injury victims. We are proud to serve the citizens of Southern California through our office in San Diego, and accept clients from the following areas:

• Encinitas
• Escondido
• Santee
• Alpine
• Imperial Beach
• Mira Mesa
• Vista
• and cities and towns throughout the western U.S.

Do not delay discuss the details of your case with us today. Call 1-800-706-3000 to speak with a member of our intake staff, who will connect you with one of our knowledgeable Phoenix personal injury attorneys after a brief interview.

Want us to call you? Enter your details in the Free Case Review form at the top of this page to receive a free, confidential consultation.