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Every death incurred in driving crashes is a catastrophic waste. And yet, teenage driving accident deaths are particularly tragic because a young life is lost before getting a chance to blossom. Driving a motor vehicle is a rite of passage for most teens, an important step toward adulthood. Almost every teen is eager for the freedom and prestige of operating a motor vehicle on their own. Sadly, driving crashes are the leading cause of death of teenagers in the United States.
How Big is the Problem of Teenage Driving Crashes?
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, 2,270 teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were killed and 221,313 were treated in hospital trauma centers for injuries suffered in driving crashes. That means approximately six teenagers ages 16 to 19 died every day in 2014 from motor vehicle injuries.
The leading causes of teen driving crashes are:
- Driver inexperience
- Driving with teen passengers
- Night driving
- Not using seat belts
- Distracted driving
- Driving while sleepy
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving
Driving requires complex interactions, skills that must be practiced before one becomes proficient. Teens’ risky behavior and lack of driving experience puts them at heightened risk for crashes.
Parents are Key
Parents are the most important factor in the lives of their teens, and that applies to driving as well. Their influence, control and training are vital to preparing young teens to master the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle. Research demonstrates unequivocally that involved parents help teens become safer and more responsible drivers. For more information how you can help your teen prepare for driving, investigate the CDC’s “Parents are the Key” campaign.
If your teen was killed in a driving crash in Tulsa, McAlester or eastern Oklahoma, call on the compassionate professionals at Edwards & Patterson Law. We will evaluate your case for free to see if you may be entitled to compensation for your loss. Call us today at 877-403-8417 or contact us online. You pay absolutely no attorney fees unless you recover monetary damages.
