As of the moment, the highest number of deaths among teenagers is accounted for due to motor vehicle accidents. Although preventable, car accidents, in general, are increasing day by day, and teenagers are contributing to this increase more than any other age group.
As per Brooklyn’s injury lawyers, the year 2020 recorded 2,800 teenage deaths caused by vehicle accidents. Furthermore, another 227,000 teenagers were injured within the same year; this amounts to 8 deaths and 622 injuries every day due to auto accidents. Looking deeper into these statistics, the estimated medical costs and costs of lives lost amount to $40.7 billion.
Teenagers who are between the ages of 16 -19 years old have normally contributed to the most accidents. The rate of fatal crashes is thrice as high in this age group as compared to drivers who are 20 years of age or above.
Through deeper study, a few facts have also been revealed:
- Within the ages of 16 – 19, the rate of car accidents that resulted in a fatality is 3 times higher in males than females
- As passengers who are either young adults or fellow teenagers, the risk of a car crash is also likely to increase
- During the first 3 months of a teenager obtaining a driver’s license, the risk of a car crash is relatively higher
What Causes These Car Crashes in Teenagers to Occur?
Although the reasons for these car crashes among teenagers are more than anyone could possibly count, there are some factors that have been reported to be the leading causes:
Lack of Experience:
It goes without saying that teenagers are lesser-experienced when it comes to driving and hence, are less aware of the potential dangers of the road. This factor results in lesser awareness of dealing with stressful, and many times, dangerous situations; especially where split-second decision-making can save or take a life.
Driving at Night:
Roughly about 44% of auto accidents among teenagers have taken place from 9 pm to 6 am. Although driving during these hours when there is lesser light is dangerous for all age groups, teenagers are at a higher risk.
Lack of Using Seatbelts:
Not wearing seatbelts has contributed to many teenage deaths in car crashes over the years. It has also been reported that teenagers and young adults tend not to wear seatbelts while driving as compared to older age groups.
Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving accounts for many car accidents every year. However, this trend has been shown to be higher among teenagers who underestimate the importance of paying their full attention while driving. A study showed that 39% of teenagers sent messages or emails while driving within a period of 30 days.
Speeding:
In an effort to seek thrilling experiences, teenagers tend to drive faster than individuals who have a few years of experience in driving. Teenagers have also been noted to keep a shorter distance between the vehicle they are driving and the vehicle driving in front of them.
Consuming Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption impairs our senses and brings down our capacity to function optimally. Teenagers tend to consume more alcohol and also tend to drive in the same state. As of 2020, 29% of drivers between the ages of 15 – 20 were driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of a car crash that resulted in a fatality.
Prevention:
Despite the rising number of vehicle crashes, there are some tips to follow which can reduce the chances of any mishap occurring on the road:
- Wearing seatbelts have proven to reduce the chances of a fatality resulting from a car crash. Estimates show that the probability of a fatality decreases by 50% if seatbelts are used while driving.
- Drunk driving certainly is riskier in comparison to driving sober. Even though there is a BAC limit, teenagers have a weaker tolerance for alcohol, and for the same reason, should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug at all costs.
- Night-time driving should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. Speed limits should also be abided by under all circumstances.
- Parents should be a lot more engaged and aware when it comes to how their children drive and their overall driving habits.
Auto accidents are a menace; not just to society but the entire world and only by being more mindful can a change be brought about. A considerable amount of time should also be invested in driving education as well as coaching to ensure that teenagers adopt healthy driving patterns as opposed to unhealthy ones.