The statistics make it clear that fatal crash rates are higher for teens than for any other age group. For instance, one report on the 2019 numbers showed that there were 258,000 teens in emergency rooms with major injuries, and another 2,400 lost their lives. The rates are higher than they are for other age groups.
So, why does this happen? Let’s look at some of the main reasons.
Teens lack experience
Nothing helps you become proficient at a skill like experience. The more you do something, the better you get and the more you refine your skills. Teens will crash due to inexperience just because they have not been on the road very long.
Teens may drive aggressively
Some teens, especially young men, tend to drive more aggressively. They may break the speed limit more often, for instance, or make aggressive passes. Over time, this elevated level of risk leads to more accidents.
Teens could get distracted
Distraction is also an issue, and it starts with phones. Teens who text and drive are one of the most high-risk groups on the road. But there are many other distractions, from music that is being played at very high levels to other passengers in the car. Any distraction can cause an accident.
What if you get injured?
You may not be a teen driver, but you still share the road with them every day. If one of them hits your car and you end up with serious injuries and high medical bills, you need to know about all of the legal options you have.