Who Causes More Wrecks, Teen Drivers or Adults?
It is commonly thought that the more experience a driver has, the safer they are on the road. This leads to the belief that teenagers are more likely to be involved in car accidents compared to drivers in other age groups. You might be curious to know if there is any solid proof to back up that belief and how many teens actually end up in car accidents.
Teen driving statistics indicate that teenagers are more prone to accidents compared to older drivers. However, a closer examination of the data shows that the situation is more complex than it seems. Just because teens have a higher likelihood of being in crashes doesn’t automatically make them the riskiest drivers out there.
How many motor vehicle accidents happen in the U.S. each year
Every year in the United States, there are around 5.25 million car accidents. Out of these, about 1.6 million accidents lead to injuries for at least one person, while approximately 36,000 accidents result in at least one fatality. The remaining 3.6 million accidents either cause no damage or only result in damage to property.
How often are teens involved in car wrecks
In 2019, The Zebra reported that a total of 2,375 young people aged 13 to 19 tragically lost their lives in car accidents. Shockingly, statistics on teenage car crashes reveal that individuals between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times more susceptible to fatal collisions compared to older drivers. These numbers highlight the alarming risks faced by young drivers on the road.
Teen car accidents can occur for several reasons, which include speeding, not properly scanning the road for potential dangers, and getting distracted by someone or something inside the car. Additionally, teenagers often fail to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them, which limits their ability to stop in time and prevent a collision.
It is quite astonishing to discover that older drivers are often responsible for fatal car accidents. Shockingly, drivers who are 66 years old and above were found to be the cause of around 212 out of the state’s 300 fatal crashes. Among these accidents, it was predominantly males who were involved. Additional data reveals that these crashes mostly occur during daylight hours and are commonly either side-impact or single-vehicle accidents.
Distracted driving is the biggest contributing factor
Teens’ lack of experience when driving makes them more prone to getting distracted while behind the wheel. Shockingly, one out of every three teenagers admits to texting while driving. Have you ever wondered if your teen falls into this category? Studies have shown that dialing a phone number while driving raises the chances of your teen getting into an accident by six times, while texting increases the risk by a staggering 23 times. Engaging in phone conversations or texting diverts your teen’s attention away from the crucial task of driving, greatly diminishing their capacity to respond effectively to potential dangers on the road, such as hazards, incidents, or adverse weather conditions.
How to keep your kids safe behind the wheel
According to accident and insurance data, it is evident that teenagers, just like drivers in other age groups, are involved in car crashes, some of which can result in fatal outcomes for either the teen or other passengers. On a national scale, teenagers account for less than ten percent of all fatalities. However, in Nevada specifically, it is the drivers who are over the age of 65 that are more prone to causing fatal accidents.
Despite the fact that teenagers might not be the highest risk group of drivers or passengers in Nevada, they still face a higher chance of getting hurt while riding in a car. Ensuring your teen’s safety means instructing them to avoid distractions, drive cautiously, and pay attention to the road to spot potential dangers and react promptly.
If you or your teen has been involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, contact the law office of Brian Brunson today
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
