In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, we want to take this opportunity to talk about possible prevention strategies for traumatic brain injuries, especially as it relates to young adults and their parents. For many teenagers getting their driver’s license is a rite of passage. It is both an exciting time and yet it is often a worrisome time for parents. There is so much for them to learn and so many dangers to be faced on the road.
Teen Accidents Statistics to Know
While these statistics are scary, they are meant to provide insights into the importance of teen driver safety.
Teens are also more likely than adults to make critical decision errors that can lead to serious crashes.
- A 2020 study found that ages 0-4 and 15–19 have the highest incidence of TBI
- While car accidents only contribute about 14% of the aggregate TBI cases in the US, they are the leading cause of TBI-related deaths among children and young adults.
- The CDC reports the risk of car accidents is higher among teens aged 16-19.
- The motor vehicle death rate for male drivers aged 16–19 was almost two times higher than the death rate for female drivers of the same age.
- 1% of U.S. high school students admit to not always wearing a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else.
- Teens are more likely than adults to make critical decision errors that can lead to serious crashes.
- Alcohol involvement is typically higher among male drivers than among female drivers.
- Seven teens between the ages of 13-19 die in fatal car accidents every day.
- Accident risk is higher in the first few months after a teen receives a license.
- Roughly 2,500 teens between 13-19 years old died in car accidents in 2018.
As personal injury attorneys, we know just how important it is to spread the word about driver safety. Here we have put together the top 5 safety tips to help keep teen drivers safe:
- Buckle Up: This should be a non-negotiable for anyone entering a motor vehicle. Studies have shown that wearing a seatbelt can lower your risk of fatality by 45%. Make sure your teenage driver gets into the habit of always wearing a seatbelt.
- Supervised Practice is Key: The best way for your teen to get the safest skillset is to have hands-on practice. Supervise your teen driving during different weather situations, on different road conditions, at night, and more. The more they practice, the better equipped they will be to safely handle the roads on their own.
- Eliminate Distractions: As much as your teen may want to hit the road with their friends, it’s important they keep distractions to a minimum, especially early on. To keep them focused, limit how many passengers can ride with your teen. Equally as important is to remind your teen of the dangers of distracted driving. Distractions can include texting, calling, eating, drinking tuning the radio, and more. Their hands should remain on the wheel at all times with their eyes focused clearly on the road.
- Take it Slow: In most accidents, speed is typically an underlying factor. It’s important to teach your teen to be cognizant of how fast they are driving. Set a good example by following the speed limit too.
- Never Drive Under the Influence: Despite it being illegal for teenagers to drink, many do and many teens will still get behind the wheel afterward. Teach your teen the dangers of drinking and driving and explain how it can affect critical thinking and reaction time on the road.
Let’s all do our part to keep our roads safe!
In the event your teen is in a car accident, know that we are here to help. Count on our experience and resources to reach a favorable outcome in your case. Contact us today at (405) 433-7414 for a free consultation.
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