Teenage Drivers
By Larry Beucke, Attorney at Law
Automobile Accidents - Teenage Driving
An event both eagerly anticipated (by the teen) and apprehensively feared (by the parent) is the teenager reaching the legal driving age. By their nature, teens are risk-takers and consider themselves to be indestructible. The notion of mortality is beyond their immediate comprehension. This is a dangerous attitude which leads to automobile accidents. Recognizing the risks associated with driving and some responses to those risks may be beneficial to both the teen and the parent and help to reduce the frequency and severity of automobile accidents.
The Risks
Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death of teenagers, accounting for 1/3 of all deaths in children age 16-18 years.
- Teens are 4 times more likely to be involved in an automobile accident than older drivers, based on number of miles driven.
- The death rate for male drivers involved in automobile accidents, age 16 -19, is twice that of female drivers.
- The presence of passengers increases the risk: of teens killed in automobile accidents, 45% had a youth passenger.
The number of passengers in the vehicle increases the risk. - Of teen deaths, 39% involve speeding.
- Teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use of any age group.
- Most teen deaths occur on weekends: 54 % occurred on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- 42% occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Teen life style promotes drowsiness, a high risk factor in driving.
The Responses
- Educate and train teen drivers.
- Help teen drivers recognize their limitations of skill.
- Discourage packing the vehicle with classmates.
- Encourage teen drivers to tell friends to 'chill' while occupying the vehicle.
- Encourage the use of extra care at night and on weekends.
- Encourage the use of safety belts.
- Support the requirements of graduated drivers licenses.
- Eliminate the use of alcohol.
- Prohibit the use of cell phones while driving.
Teenagers will hear what they want to hear, but parents can and must provide guidelines to reduce the frequency of teenage automobile accidents.
Resource links
Contact the Author of this article:
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Larry Beucke of |
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