These Are The Top Causes For Teen Car Accidents

Being a teenager is an exciting time! New found freedom and becoming a first time driver. However, statistically, teenagers can be some of the most dangerous people on the road. If you have a teenager, or your a teenager yourself – be aware of these top causes for teenage car accidents.

Cell phone use while driving

This is a big issue, not just for young adults, but for so many age groups. Some interesting statistics involving teen drivers and cell phone use are:

• 32.8% of high school students nationwide have texted or e-mailed while driving.
• Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident and can slow a young driver’s reaction time to that of a 70-year-old.
• 56% of teens admit to talking on cell phones while driving.
• 48% of kids ages 12 to 17 report being in a car when the driver was texting.

It’s important to encourage teens to stay of their mobile devices while driving. There’s even different apps that can lock phones when the car is detected to be moving. This could help in the temptation to use the phone while driving.

Distracted Driving

Whether is the music blaring, using a cell phone or having a lot passengers in the car. Teenagers are far more likely to suffer from a car accident due to distracted driving.

• 12% of distracted drivers involved in fatal car accidents were teens ages 15 to 19.
• Drivers under the age of 20 make up the largest percentage of distracted drivers.

As a new driver, it’s easy to take for granted what all actually needs your attention on the road. A Defensive Driving Course is an excellent option for new drivers. It will make them aware of things to keep an eye out for on the road and how to handle situations they may encounter, too.

Underage Drinking and Driving

You’d be surprised to know the statistics behind underage drinking. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), youth ages 12 to 20 consume 11% of the alcohol in the United States.

• About 5.8% of 16- and 17-year-olds and 15.1% of 18- to 20-year-olds reported driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year. (MADD).
• About 8.2% of high school students reported driving a car or other vehicle one or more times when they had been drinking alcohol.
• 33% of the young drivers ages 15 to 20 who were killed in crashes had a BAC of .01 or higher and 28% had a BAC of .08 or higher (the legal limit for drivers over age 21).
• 70 % of young drivers who died in underage drinking and driving accidents didn’t use a seat belt.

This is not a subject we can ignore, this is something that has to be brought up and kept a strict eye on. The sad reality is, once a teen is in the car under the influence, there’s no promise that they return home.

Reckless driving

While teenagers are not the only ones who will portray recklessness on the road, they are much more likely to speed. According to the National Young Driver Survey (NYDS), approximately 21% of teen car accidents happen due to the teen driver traveling too fast for the condition of the road, and more than half of teenage fatal motor vehicle accidents were a result of speeding.

Male teenagers are more prone to reckless driving. However, studies show that both genders pursue reckless driving like tailgating, speeding, improper lane changes, rushing through changing traffic lights, failing to yield and failing to come to a full stop at stop signs.

With guidance, practice and restrictions set by caretakers, teens can grow to be successful drivers on the road. The statistics are sobering – time and time again statics show that teenage fatality has a lot to do with driving. It’s not a subject to take lightly. Be aware of the main causes of teenage auto accidents and do what it takes to make sure your teen is safe on the road.

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