In 2020, North Carolina saw a 12% increase in teen driver deaths. Likewise, in South Carolina, teen drivers are in severe or fatal car crashes every 1.3 hours. With those harrowing statistics, it’s important to know the facts behind car accidents involving teen drivers and make sure your child is as safe as possible on the road. Here are the problems, risks, and potential solutions any car accident lawyer would tell you to look out for and teach your adolescent before they take the car out of park.
The Problem
The second leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers is motor vehicle crashes. According to the CDC, it seems that those aged 16-19 are at a higher risk of crashing than any other age group, with males, newly licensed teens, and teens driving with teen passengers being even higher at risk within that group. Based on this information, it’s no wonder parents are worried about sending their kids out onto the road. Car wreck attorneys have found that most teenagers’ education about good driving behavior rests on their parents, who may or may not be prepared to teach them. All these factors have combined to result in a persistent problem that many are ignoring.
The Risks
Why are teen drivers statistically more likely to be involved in an accident? North Carolina is ranked sixteenth in the U.S. as far as best states for teen drivers, based on the economic environment, driving laws, and safety conditions. And yet, no amount of laws will stop a crash if teens are distracted drivers, with 39% or more texting or emailing while driving at least once a month. Other risks that teens face include speeding, alcohol use, inexperience, and nighttime and weekend driving. And when crashes do happen, teens have statistically lower seat belt usage rates. With all these problems combined, it’s no wonder that 2,400 teens in the United States died in 2019 thanks to motor vehicle accidents.
The Solutions
No one wants their own child to be part of a statistic. Car wreck lawyers have found that the best way to prevent car accidents among young drivers is to make them aware of the eight major danger zones of driving. These include driver inexperience, driving with other teen passengers, driving at night, not using a seat belt, distracted driving, drowsy driving, reckless driving, and impaired driving. Car collision attorneys also recommend having your child learn from a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. GDLs are available in every state. They require longer practice times and involve more parental participation. Every parent can protect their teen by teaching and leading by example that you should always wear a seat belt.
The Aftermath
What about when your child has already gotten into an accident? What if they’re injured or injured someone else? Calling upon a car accident law firm is an essential step in navigating your way through the legalities with insurance settlements and possible charges. Especially if your child experiences neck and back pain after a car accident, you’ll want legal advice from a personal accident lawyer on how to get the settlement you need for your loved one’s health.
No one wants to have these facts become relevant to their personal life. The statistics are sobering, but they can also be a tool for teaching and prevention. Getting yourself educated on teen driving accidents and causes is the first step—educating your teen is the next.
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