According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, there were 15,111 injuries caused to teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 in 2011, while there were 131 fatalities as a result of teenage driver accidents throughout the state. It is simple to understand the excitement about being able to drive for the first time and to be able to explore the open road on your own; unfortunately this lack of driver experience can also be just as easily a traumatic experience to these young individuals. As most driving habits are adopted by parents, these parents must take it into their own hands to teach these young drivers to abide by traffic laws and practice defensive driving techniques. Of course, even when we practice safe driving, negligent drivers may still cause accidents resulting in injuries. At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, our auto accident attorneys understand the frustration associated with being involved in a car accident, especially for those young individuals. Therefore, our lawyers will work relentlessly to obtain the MAXIMUM compensation benefits you deserve.
Top Causes Of Teenage Driver Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers between the ages of 1- and 19 years of age. Furthermore, in 2006, vehicle traffic collisions by 15 to 17 year olds cost over $30 million in medical, property damage, and other costs throughout America. Some of the top causes of teen driver accidents include:- Speeding
- Texting While Driving
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol
- Improper Turns
- Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way
- Failure to Use Turn Signals
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
- Passenger Distractions
- Peer Pressure
- Loud Music
Teen Driver Statistics
During the first couple of months a teen is beginning to drive are the most risky for those drivers. In fact, during the first six months of driving, the risk of a teen being involved in an accident is substantially increased. This is largely due to the fact that these drivers fail to recognize certain hazards which are presented on our roadways. Some teen driver statistics include:- 14 percent of miles driven by 16-17 year olds are between 9pm and 6am
- 22 percent of drivers 15 to 20 involved in fatal accidents were drinking in 2010
- 32 percent of fatal teen accidents occur between 9pm and 6am
- 34 percent of teens 16 to 17 say they have texted while driving
- 54 percent of high school students reported wearing a seatbelt in 2011
- 58 percent of teenage crashes occur between 9pm and midnight
- 75 percent of serious teenage driver accidents are caused by critical errors
- Teenage males between 16 and 19 had nearly two times the fatality rate in 2010
- The crash rate for 16 year olds is doubled during night hours
Types Of Inexperienced Driver Injuries
As teen drivers are more likely to become involved in an collision, these accidents may cause severe damages to the vehicle and possible injuries. Of course, these injuries are typically correlated with the speed at which the accident took place, if the occupants were wearing seatbelts, and to location of the collision. Some common automotive injuries include:- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussion
- Dental injuries
- Fractured skull
- Internal damages
- Lacerations
- Nerve damages
- Spinal damages
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrist injuries
