Summer is here and in the San Fernando Valley, that means we can expect a lot more cars on the road. Why? Because school is out and teen drivers are making the most of their summer break.
The increase in the number of teen drivers on local roads may not be good news for everyone. Statistically speaking, teen drivers are the demographic most likely to cause auto-related accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a teen driver, speak to an experienced accident attorney about your legal rights.
Numerous studies on brain development have shown that the brain doesn’t reach full maturity until the mid-twenties, long after teenagers can apply for their drivers license. While distracted driving can happen at any age, teenagers have been more likely to engage in typical distracted driving behaviors like texting and driving. Additionally, if they are driving with friends in the car, they can be easily distracted, which leads to less paying attention to the road and more car accidents. Unfortunately, many teen drivers also drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Teen driving statistics
The numbers related to teen driving and car accident injuries are grim, especially from May – September. Indeed, according to the NHSTA, the summer months account for nearly twice as many teen car accident deaths than the rest of the year combined. Furthermore, teen drivers are responsible for about 50% more drunk driving accidents during the summer.
More teen driving statistics include:
- 33% of high school students have texted or e-mailed while driving.
- 12% of distracted drivers involved in fatal car accidents were teens ages 15 to 19.
- Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident and can slow a young driver’s reaction time to that of a 70-year-old.
- Drivers under the age of 20 make up the largest percentage of distracted drivers.
- 56% of teens admit to talking on cell phones while driving.
- 48% of kids ages 12 to 17 report being in a car when the driver was texting
These numbers are frightening. If you have a teen driver in your house, make sure that they drive safely and follow the rules of the road. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, know that California law and personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg are on your side.
For more information, or to discuss your potential car accident claim, contact Woodland Hills attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
