Why Teenage Drivers are More Prone to Car Accidents

 Posted on March 21,2019 in Car Accidents

On March 15, a fatal auto accident occurred when two teenage drivers collided on Route 12, near Wauconda in Lake County. According to the Wauconda Police Department, an 18-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle and collided with a Ford Focus, which was driven by a 16-year-old. The two 14-year-old passengers in the Focus were seriously injured, while the 16-year-old driver passed away.

For parents throughout the state of Illinois, the accident served as a tragic reminder of the risks that teenage drivers face.

Teenage Driver Accidents Common in the U.S. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 290,000 teens were hospitalized due to injuries suffered in car crashes during a recent 12-month period. Of those injured, more than 2,400 died. With the sheer number of teenage car accident injuries and deaths, it is important to ask why these collisions occur. In many cases, these fatalities are caused by driver error. 

Reckless Driving

Because of their inexperience, teenagers are more likely to make reckless decisions than adults. Unfortunately, reckless actions can come with life-threatening consequences when behind the wheel of a car. Teens are more likely to text while driving, drive at dangerous speeds, and follow other vehicles too closely. Driving recklessly is dangerous for anyone, especially those with limited driving experience. 

Drunk Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can substantially diminish one’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. Unfortunately, thousands of teenage drivers make the reckless decision to drink and drive each year, and with tragic results. According to the CDC, roughly 15 percent of all teenage drivers involved in fatal crashes during a recent 12-month study had a blood-alcohol content over the standard legal limit of .08. 

Not Wearing Seatbelt

The most effective safety precaution a driver can take is wearing your seatbelt. Despite the recognized importance of seat belt use, many teens regularly neglect to buckle up. More than 40 percent of all high school students throughout the United States admit to not regularly wearing their seatbelt. Speaking with your teenage children about the importance of consistent seatbelt use could save their life.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer 

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., we understand the difficulties that can accompany a serious motor vehicle collision. A car crash can come with costly damage to your vehicle, expensive medical treatment, and other hardships. Your family should not be financially punished due to the negligent actions of another driver. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Lake County personal injury attorney, contact our team at 847-662-3303. 

Sources

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/03/16/16-year-old-dies-four-teenagers-injured-in-wauconda-car-accident/

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html