Teenage Driving Deaths Rising Nationwide

 Posted on March 29,2018 in Driving Safety

A recent teen driving tragedy has reminded parents across the nation of the emotional and trying decision of allowing teenage children to drive. Late on Sunday, March 25, an automobile collision occurred in Des Plaines. The 16-year-old driver suffered serious injuries; however, he remains in stable condition. The other three vehicle occupants suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

Every year, upwards of 2,700 teenagers are killed in automobile collisions throughout the United States. To this day, driving remains one of the most dangerous activities for teenage children. If you or a member of your family are injured in an automobile accident, contact our experienced team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys for assistance with your case.

Teen Driving Fatalities Nationwide

Throughout modern U.S. history, teenage driving has seemingly always been a problem. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), drivers aged 16 to 19 are more than three times as likely as drivers over the age of 20 to be involved in fatal automobile collisions. Safety regulations such as seat belt restraints and improving airbag technology have helped to lower the rate of roadway fatality for teens, as teenage driving deaths have dropped by 68 percent since 1975. Unfortunately, teenage driving fatalities seem to be back on the rise.

In 2016 alone, 2,820 drivers aged 13 to 19 suffered fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents. In 2016, the United States witnessed a 3 percent increase in roadway deaths for the teenage demographic. As smartphone technology continues to distract drivers, studies show that teenage drivers may be especially susceptible to drive while distracted by their mobile phone.

Illinois Teenage Driving Statistics

In Illinois, parents know all too well the risks of teenage driving. In 2015 alone, over 100 teenage drivers suffered fatal injuries in automobile accidents. While the fatality statistics within the state are encouragingly low, 10,558 teenagers suffered injuries in motor vehicle crashes throughout 2015. Of all the teenagers that suffered fatal injuries in teen age driven car crashes throughout 2015, over 30 percent were passengers. For parents of teens, deciding whether or not their children can ride with other teens can be just as difficult a decision.

Contact a Compassionate Illinois Car Accident Lawyer

All parents worry about their children, and those concerns are amplified when children reach teen years and begin driving. Despite our best efforts, accidents do happen. At Salvi & Maher L.L.C., our team has decades of experience helping families recover in the aftermath of an automobile collision. If you or a member of your family are injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our compassionate and knowledgeable team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys today.

Sources:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/teenagers/fatalityfacts/teenagers

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2015%20Crash%20Facts%20with%20cover.pdf

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/news/ct-met-des-plaines-family-killed-crash-20180327-story.html