Teenage drivers present a unique set of challenges to the experienced drivers with whom they share the road.
Automobile accidents are the number one killer of teenagers dwarfing all other causes of death including the other top two - murder and suicide. Statistics tell the grim story. Teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to die in an accident than older drivers and - shockingly - 16 year old drivers are 40% more likely to be killed in an auto accident than even 18 or 19 year olds.
There are many reasons for this. First, and most obvious, is the inexperience that comes with beginning driving. Young drivers may take to the road legally after as little as fifty hours of practice driving.
Couple this with the youthful sense of immortality and it becomes immediately apparent that teenagers and driving are often a deadly combination. In addition, though, friends and cells also cause distracted driving that can lead to an accident. But perhaps the two biggest culprits are drinking and speeding.
On the books, it is illegal for teenagers to drink but in reality it happens all the time. Speeding is also against the law but many young drivers do not seem to be able to help themselves when they get behind the wheel of a car.
While it may not be possible to put an end to teenage deaths from automobile accidents there are preventative measures that have been shown to be successful. These include imposing a curfew on young drivers and monitoring their comings and goings more closely.
If you have a teen age driver and would like a copy of the Baumgartner Law Firm's Parent - Teen Safe Driver Agreement call the Baumgartner Law Firm or email us and we will be happy to send you a copy.
