According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, the leading cause of death for teenagers remains motor vehicle
accidents. Teens have the highest crash rate of any age group in the United
States. In 2013, about 963,000 drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 were
involved in police-reported car crashes. Those accidents resulted in 383,000
injuries and 2,865 deaths.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted several
studies to report on the common mistakes that many teenage drivers make while
on the road. AAA recommends that parents educate their teenagers regarding the
risks of these common mistakes, as well as the steps necessary to avoid making
these mistakes. These include:
-
Failing to wear a seat belt
According to the NHTSA, approximately 56%
of the teenagers who were killed in car crashes in 2013 were not wearing a seat
belt. Parents should stress the importance of wearing a seat belt as a way to
reduce one’s chance of being hurt or killed in a car accident.
-
Speeding
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
conducted a study in 2015 to analyze teen car accidents. Of the 1,700 videos of
teen car accidents, teens were driving too fast for conditions in 79% of the
single-vehicle crashes that were examined. Speeding seems to be a factor in
almost every car accident involving a teenage driver. Young drivers must
understand that speeding is against the law. It’s also a dangerous habit
because it increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle.
-
Following too closely
It is reported that teenage drivers often
fail to allow adequate following distance between cars. AAA recommends that
teen drivers practice the four-second rule to help them maintain a safe
distance between vehicles.
-
Driving distracted
Of the 1,700 car crash videos analyzed in
2015, distraction was a factor in almost 60% of the accidents. The most common
distractions were interacting with passengers in the vehicle and using a cell
phone. Texting while driving is a dangerous and tempting distraction to teen
drivers. Parents must demonstrate safe driving behaviors by not using cell
phones while driving and by setting a zero tolerance policy for their teen’s
cell phone use while driving. According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry
Association, the easiest way to say it is: “On the road, off the phone.”
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
