Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause for teen deaths in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,163 teens were killed and 243,243 were treated for injuries after car accidents in 2013. Teen drivers account for 30 percent of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28 percent the cost among females.
According to recent research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, distracted driving was the cause of 6 out of 10 auto accidents involving teen drivers. Researchers had analyzed 6 seconds of footage taken from in-vehicle event recorders before an accident and had found that 58 percent of all crashes, distraction played a factor. This is a huge change from previous estimates made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which states only 14 percent of all teen driver crashes involved distracted driving. Surprisingly, AAA researchers found the number one distraction turned out to be interaction with the vehicle’s passengers at 15 percent, followed by cell phone use at 12 percent.
As parents, we all want to keep our children safe from harm. Here’s a few tips from the National Safety Council you should keep in mind before giving your teen the keys to the family car:
- Practice with new drivers. Once a week, try to join them for a drive and check to see how they’re doing behind the wheel.
- Set a good example. Remember, they learn from watching you. Make sure you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Earning privileges. Gradually increase their driving privileges. Every time they show you they can handle one given, give them a new one.
- Sign an agreement. Have your teen sign an agreement of what you expect from them as a driver.
If you or your teen get into an auto accident and need legal help, we can help. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.