When you think of teenagers in car crashes, you probably chalk it up to the distractions of cell phones, and changing the radio. There are a number of reasons why teen drivers get into car accidents, beyond cellphone use.

Speeding

To many drivers, teens or otherwise, believe that you are speeding once you go over 10 mph above the speed limit. While in most areas, a police officer won’t penalize you for going 39 in a 30; you are technically speeding. Even going 1 mph over the speed limit reduces your reaction time, and can increase the potential for damage and injury in the event of a crash. Crashes at higher speed are also exponentially more fatal. 21% of teenage car crashes are due to speeding. For drivers of all ages, speeding accounts for 30% of all fatal car crashes in 2012.

Driving at Night

Driving at night poses many of the same risks as speeding. You see everything with less time to react, and some things can be almost completely hidden at night. Additionally, glares from streetlights, headlights, and even the traffic lights can affect drivers, young and old.

Passengers

Passengers can easily become a distraction for young drivers. When a young driver has a peer passenger, the risk of crashing can as much as double. The risk increases with every extra passenger, naturally.

Drinking and Driving

Drinking Under the Influence (DUI) and Drinking While Intoxicated (DWI) are prevalent with drivers of all ages. But many teens become the victims of car crashes when they decide to get behind the wheel while drunk. About 3 out of every 10 Americans will be involved in a drunk-driving related car accident in their lifetime.

Consider Seeking Legal Counsel

If you or a loved one is injured during the accident involving a teen driver, or if your insurance won’t cover the full damages, consider looking towards legal counsel as the next step. Sometimes injury occurs or is felt after the accident. If the cause of injury/death is the crash, you may have grounds for legal action. Do not meet with other parties involved in the accident without a lawyer present. Do not sign anything from another party or from that party’s lawyer without discussing it with your legal counsel first.
For over 25 years, D’Agostino & Associates, P.C. has been assisting people in the New York/New Jersey area with injury cases of all shapes and sizes; from auto accidents to worker’s compensation. Bite Back with D’Agostino & Associates, P.C.