Obtaining a driver’s license has always been a rite of passage for many teenagers as soon as they come of age. With a license, teen drivers enjoy immense freedom, sovereignty and a wealth of possibilities.
However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to six teenagers die every day on our roads from motor vehicle crash injuries. In addition, teen drivers are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash. Considering these alarming statistics, it remains apparent that road safety is a major concern for young drivers on our roads.
Causes of Teen-Related Motor Vehicle Accidents
Distracted driving
According to the AAA Foundation, about 57 percent of teenage driving accidents result from distracted driving. Teen drivers lose focus easily when driving, thus increasing the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Inexperience
Lack of experience is a major cause of numerous teen driving accidents. For this reason, some states require aspiring teenage drivers to garner experience first before they can obtain a driving license.
Poor weather conditions
Poor weather such as heavy rainfall and snow can reduce visibility or make the roads slippery subsequently leading to accidents. Most teenagers don’t have the necessary skills to navigate and drive through such harsh conditions.
Human error
A significant number of teen-related motor vehicle accidents emanate from human error. This is not a preserve for novice teenage drivers only, but they are more likely to make a mistake when driving due to their inexperience.
Mechanical malfunction
Sometimes a mechanical malfunction could lead to a fatal accident if not arrested in time. Teen drivers might have trouble identifying these unexpected mechanical malfunctions and providing the right remedy.
The Best Vehicles for New Teen Drivers
The safety of teenage drivers also depends on the type of vehicle they are driving. In any case, most teens have limited driving experience and they are more likely to cause accidents.
With this in mind, parents should take into account the safety features of a motor vehicle before buying one for their teens. Ideally, the car should be easy to handle, and it should come with a host of safety features.
Some of the most notable factors to consider include:
- Safety ratings
- Crash test scores
- Reliability
- Electronic stability control
- Braking system
- Airbag technology
Pricing might not be a very important factor, but cars with more advanced features tend to cost a little bit more.
Examples of vehicles recommended for teen drivers due to their high safety ratings include Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Accent.
What to Do When Involved in a Teenage Driving Accident
If you are a teen driver involved in an accident or you happen to be a victim of the recklessness of a teenage driver, you should get in touch with an auto accident attorney.
An experienced attorney will help you navigate through the steps involved in settling a dispute, and will also offer advice on what to do to get your full compensation for injuries and other damages.
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