teen-driver

Memorial Day marked the beginning of what is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” on the nation’s roadways for teen drivers. Each day during the summer driving season, an average of 10 people die as a result of injuries from a crash involving a teen driver, studies show. But, with the recent advancement in technology, even more teens are texting or using social media behind the wheel, creating an already unsafe situation to worsen. Studies also showed that the average number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers ages 16 to 19 increased by 16 percent per day during the summer compared to other days of the year, creating a greater chance of a car accident occurring.

teen in car accident from distractions

What Are the Top Distractions for Teen Drivers?

AAA worked with researchers at the University of Iowa examining the moments leading up to a crash in more than 2,200 vehicles which captured the accident from in-dash cameras. The latest report compared new crash videos with those captured between 2007 and 2012 and found consistent trends in the top three distractions for teens when behind the wheel in the moments leading up to the crash:

  • In 15 percent of crashes, teens were talking or attending to other passengers in the vehicle.
  • Talking, texting or operating a cell phone was a factor in 12 percent of these crashes.
  • Attending to or looking at something inside the vehicle was a factor in 11 percent of the crashes.

What Can Be Done to Prevent These Crashes?

Here are a few tips that could help prevent new or inexperienced drivers from getting distracted while driving:

deadliest driving example of car full of teenage friendsNo passengers: It is a fact that teens get in more car accidents when other teens are in their vehicles. In fact, studies show that putting three or more teens in a car driven by a teen increases the risk of an accident by four times. Do not allow your teen to drive other teens until they have had at least a year of driving experience with a license.

deadliest driving example of teen on phone drivingNo cell phones: Teens are the most likely drivers to use cell phones, send text messages or use social media while driving. Regardless of state laws, parents would be well advised to prohibit their teens from using cell phones while driving. If your teen must use a cell phone, they should park the vehicle in a safe place first and complete the call before driving again.

deadliest driving example of car radio being played at full volumeLimit music use: Changing the radio station, changing CDs or scrolling through a song are all actions dangerous enough to cause a car crash. Your teen should also know that it’s important to keep the volume of music at a reasonable level so he or she can hear car horns or emergency vehicles.

Contact a Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer

personal-injury-lawyerIf you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact one of our experienced Rhode Island car accident lawyers at one of our d’Oliveira and Associate locations in Rhode Island. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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