Teenage Driving Risks

Due to their lack of experience and willingness to engage in risky behavior, teenagers tend to have a higher accident rate than other age groups. Not only is this dangerous for adolescent drivers, but also for anyone else on the road. Read on to learn more about the risks of teenage driving and your own options in the event of a car accident caused by a teenage driver.

Inexperience 

Many accidents involving teenagers are the result simply of their lack of experience. As novices on the road, they sometimes lack the skills that they need to safely navigate certain driving situations. This lack of experience can, in turn, lead to poor decision-making, misjudging speeds and distances, and a failure to respond properly to potential hazards. Unfortunately, this lack of experience can only be remedied by time and practice.

Risky Behavior 

Adolescents are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors than other age groups. Many, for instance, have trouble repressing feelings of invincibility, are more impatient, and are more likely to refrain from using a seatbelt. This, combined with a lack of judgment can lead to dangerous driving practices, like speeding, tailgating, and passing unsafely. Teenagers have also proven to be more easily distracted than other drivers, with as many as six out of ten teen crashes the result of driver distraction. In most cases, the distraction involved another teenage passenger, although cell phone use also plays a role in thousands of accidents every year.

Influence of Friends 

Another risk that adolescent drivers face is their vulnerability to the influence of their peers, especially passengers in their cars. Many studies have shown that having a friend in the car leads to more distractions and an increased rate of risk-taking behaviors among teen drivers. Unfortunately, this can impair not only the driver’s focus, but also his or her decision-making abilities. Attempts to impress friends only amplify these risks, leading to more incidences of speeding and aggressive driving. These activities not only make it more likely that a person will be involved in a car accident, but also increases the chances that the injuries resulting from those accidents will be serious.

Here to Help with Your Car Accident Claim

 Despite the prioritization of driver education programs, more stringent enforcement of traffic laws, and parental involvement, car accidents caused by teen drivers continue to occur at a high rate across the U.S. These accidents can have devastating consequences for all of the parties involved. One of the best ways to limit these damages is to speak with an attorney before pursuing a claim for compensation. If you were injured in an accident caused by a teenage driver, you may still be able to recover compensation for your losses. Call us at Boone & Davis to set up a meeting with one of our dedicated Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers today. We can assess your case and walk you through your legal options. You can reach us at 954-566-9919 or via online message.

Sources: 

cdc.gov/transportationsafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving