Teenage car accidents are considered as one of the greatest dangers teenagers who drive face. If you have a teenage son or daughter, make sure that you as well as your teenage child understand the risks of teenage car accidents. The statistics show that car accidents involving teenagers are very common, and every day, factors that heighten the possibilities of these car accidents pile up.
Drunk driving, driving during the night, driver distraction from passengers, cellular phones, and mp3 players all contribute to the dangers that put teenagers at risk of getting into car accidents while driving. And since these young drivers are still inexperienced, the risks are affected by aggravating factors way faster.
The Risks According to the Statistics
Some parents and most teenagers may take the risks of teenage car accidents for granted. Unfortunately, that's one of the most dangerous things you can do. If you are unaware, check out the stats of teenage car accidents to fully understand the dangers you're facing.
According to statistics, more than 400,000 teens between 16 and 20 are severely injured in auto accidents, and more than 5,000 lose their lives. Despite the very small percentage (10%) of the population that teenagers account for, teenage car crashes actually account for 12 percent of fatal car accidents. In other terms, teenage auto accidents are behind 26 billion dollars worth of car accidents, which is 30% of all costs associated with auto accidents in the entire country.
The large number of teenage accidents can be attributed to naturally higher risks of young drivers getting into an accident. A teen driver aged 16 to 20 is four times more likely to get into an accident than other drivers. This risk climbs during the first year that a teen is able to drive.
What to Do After a Teenage Auto Accident
Get the facts
If you are a parent and your teenager has just gotten into an accident, the first thing to do is get the facts. Before you reprimand your teenager or defend him/her from other parties involved, make sure you know what really happened. Give your teenage driver the benefit of the doubt. Run your teenager's statement through the police present to report on the accident so you can get a clear view of the accident.
Call a auto accident lawyer
It would help to have some legal help on your side in case you need to make a claim or you and your teenage driver need to face damage claims from other parties involved in the accident.
Educate your child about safe driving
After the accident, make sure to reiterate to your child once again just how dangerous driving is and how it should be taken seriously. Never get tired of warning and reminding your child in order to ensure his safety and that of other motorists on the road. Also, don't forget to give special warning against drunk driving, which has led to some of the most severe and most fatal car crashes involving teenagers.
Can you prevent teenage car crashes?
Just as you can't fully control the behavior of your teenagers, you cannot prevent teenage car crashes. The possibility of one occurring still lies in the hands of your teenage driver. However, you can do your best to lessen the dangers that threaten their lives by always reminding them to become responsible drivers.
Do: Do your part; call up your teenager's friends and their parents and talk to them about the need to reinforce road safety and responsible behavior. Get car insurance for your teenager so you can be saved from a lot of trouble and expense in case teenage car accidents do occur.
Don't: Don't treat your teenager like a small child. Make him understand the real dangers of teenage car accidents.
The Verdict: Teenagers are now being threatened by a lot of dangers while on the road, and most of these dangers, such as over-speeding, drunk driving, and reckless driving, can actually be controlled. What's important is that your teenage driver understands the danger, and your role as the primary educator makes a big difference.
Mark is the editor Best-car-accident-lawyers.com which helps you choosing the best car accident lawyer for your particular needs. To find more about the Teenagers Car Accident Statistics visit our website.
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