3 Dangerous Behaviors That Can Lead to Accidents for Teen Drivers

 Posted on August 29,2022 in Car Accident

The summer travel season runs from Memorial Day in late May to Labor Day in early September. Unfortunately, with summer travel comes dangers on the country’s streets and highways. In fact, the season has been dubbed the “100 Deadliest Days” by the American Automobile Association (AAA) because roadway fatalities tend to increase during the summer. The danger is especially great for teen drivers, with AAA reporting that teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident compared to their adult counterparts.

Any car accident has the potential to be serious and cause injury to yourself or others. An accident with a teenage driver, however, can be particularly dangerous due to a few behaviors that might have led to your crash.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common reasons for car accidents, in general, is distracted driving. The AAA estimates that distractions play a role in around 60 percent of all car crashes, which is much higher than previously thought. There are many different things that could distract a person while they are driving, both inside and outside of the vehicle. Things such as changing the radio, adjusting the temperature controls, directing attention toward another passenger, putting on makeup, eating or drinking, and using your cell phone can all pose as distractions while driving.

Driving Too Fast

Another common factor consistent with teen driving is speeding. Speeding can become very dangerous and can play a large role in many traffic accidents. According to AAA, speeding is a factor in around 30 percent of fatal traffic accidents involving a teen driver. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that May through August are the months with the highest number of traffic fatalities involving both speeding and teen drivers.

Inexperience Behind the Wheel

When looking at teen drivers, specifically, inexperience could also play a role in the rate and severity of traffic accidents. When people learn how to drive, they are typically around 16 or 17 years old. Teen drivers are much less experienced than adult drivers and may not always know how to behave or react in certain driving situations. This inexperience and lack of knowledge can lead to serious traffic accidents.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Car Accident Injury Attorney Today

Being injured in a car accident can affect your life in many ways. If you have been a victim of a car accident, you should speak with a skilled Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can help you determine who is at fault for your car accident and your injuries. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call our office at 847-797-8000 today. 

Sources:

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

https://newsroom.aaa.com/2021/06/summertime-blues-the-return-of-the-100-deadliest-days-for-teen-drivers/