The Risks of Young Drivers

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The Risks of Young Drivers

By Hess & Nghiem on July 6, 2020

Getting a driver’s license is an American rite of passage. It is a time of great independence that comes with responsibility and risks. If this responsibility is not taken seriously and handled correctly, there is a lot at stake. Some young drivers, unfortunately, learn this the hard way. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that teens between the ages of 15-19 represented 6.5 percent of the United States population. However, drivers in this age bracket represented approximately $13.1 billion, nearly 8 percent of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries. If your teen was recently injured in an accident or you were injured in an accident with a teen driver, now is the time to get help from qualified Santa Ana car accident lawyers.

Risks Teen Drivers Face

Every driver faces risks when they get behind the wheel of a car. For teens, these risks are unique and sometimes even higher. Today’s teens face risks that previous generations did not encounter. These risks include:

1. Inexperience: Teens often underestimate or recognize dangerous driving situations and more likely to make significant errors that lead to serious car crashes.
2. Speeding: Many times, teens are more likely to go above the speed limit and not allow enough space in between them and the car in front of them.
3. Seat Belt Use: Teen drivers have the lowest rate of documented seat belt use at under 59 percent.
4. Teenage passengers: With other teens in the car, teen drivers are more likely to exhibit reckless driving behaviors and experience distractions.
5. Distraction: This can come in many forms, from other passengers to using cell phones and texting.
6. Drinking and driving: Novice drivers are not usually drinking and driving; however, these actions cause a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. Drinking and driving increases as teens get older and enter young adulthood.
7. Driving at night: Driving at night requires different skills than day driving that many teens have not yet developed.
8. Social norms: Risky driving behaviors among teenage drivers is higher among teens who observe their friends driving in a risky manner.

Combating the Risks

The government, parents, and teens can all work together to decrease these risks. Teens should receive extensive driver training both on and off the road. Parents can drive with their teens, make changes to reduce the distractions, and have serious discussions about these risks. In 1997, California passed a mandatory graduated teen driving license program. More needs to be done to prevent accidents involving teen drivers. However, skilled Santa Ana car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries if you were in an accident caused by a teen driver.

Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

No matter who causes your car accident, they are frightening. They can leave substantial pain and financial burdens in their wake. Recovering from your physical, emotional, and financial injuries can be difficult, but legal help is available. Schedule your car accident case consultation today with Santa Ana car accident attorneys at Hess & Nghiem. Call (657) 333-5726 or connect with us online.