Auto Accidents Involving Teenagers
Columbia, Sumter, Camden, Newberry, Orangeburg, Lexington, South Carolina
Teenagers are involved in three times the number of auto accidents per mile driven as all other drivers. Teen driver-accidents are the leading cause of death for drivers aged 15-20, resulting in 35% of teen deaths. Parents are responsible for the damages caused by their children's car accidents.
Causes of Teen Accidents
The main causes of teen driver accidents are:
- Inexperience
- Immaturity
- Speeding
- Drinking
- Not wearing seat belts
- Distractions while driving, such as cell phones, loud music, young passengers, eating
- Drowsiness
- Driving at night
- Drug use
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) three-point plan to reduce this death rate has been adopted by 46 states and the District of Columbia. The objectives are:
- Increase seat belt use.
- Implement graduated driver licensing.
- Reduce teen's access to alcohol.
The NHTSA has developed program materials to help implement these objectives. As of 2006, graduated licensing has reduced fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers by 11%.
NHTSA estimates that distractions contribute to 25% of all reported accidents. Cell phones are among one of the most common distractions, but it is difficult to estimate exactly what percentage of accidents they cause. Hands-free devices don't eliminate the distraction entirely, as the driver may be concentrating on the conversation and therefore not paying enough attention to the road.
Passengers can be a distraction as well.
Preventing Teenage Auto Accidents
Traffic accidents might be reduced if people walk whenever they can. This, of course, requires pedestrians to observe pedestrian safety precautions. Drivers should watch for pedestrians who are not in crosswalks, children running into the street, and pets.
Be aware of an increasing population of older people. Their reflexes while driving may be slower, and their gait will be slower.
Develop patience during traffic jams. You are not going to get to your destination any faster by losing your temper, and you will increase your chances of an accident. Leave earlier or take a less traveled route.
Weather-related accidents are often avoidable. By law, you are required to drive in accordance with road conditions. Slow down when roads are wet or icy, even if it means slowing to a snail's pace. Slow down in high winds.
Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. That amount of space is often described as two to three seconds of driving time, but add one additional second for every ten miles per hour over 40 miles per hour, and two if you are driving a longer, heavier vehicle.
Side winds can make it harder to control your vehicle, and passing large trucks or pulling trailers can subject you to sudden changes in the effects of wind on your vehicle. High winds and wet or icy roads can cause you to lose complete control.
Despite your best efforts to avoid an accident, estimates show that you can expect to be involved in one every five years. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to collect damages.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, please contact the experienced automobile accident lawyers at McWhirter, Bellinger, & Associates, P.A today for a free consultation. With offices in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter, South Carolina, our personal injury lawyers are ready to serve you.
With offices in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter, South Carolina, our personal injury lawyers are ready to serve you. Call us today at 1-800-694-0994.
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