A teen learning to drive is an important part of growing up and becoming an adult. It is a step towards more freedom, responsibility, and an essential right of passage. However, driving is an extremely dangerous activity. It is important that we make sure our teens are properly educated on how to operate a motor vehicle and on the laws of the road. In addition, it is important that we educate our teens on how dangerous of an activity driving can be as a way to inform teens on the serious responsibilities that come along with a license to operate a vehicle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “In 2014, 2,270 teens in the United States ages 16–19 were killed and 221,313 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes. That means that six teens ages 16–19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries.” In addition, “[i]n 2013, young people ages 15-19 represented only 7% of the U.S. population. However, they accounted for 11% ($10 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries.” These numbers are staggering.
The risk of a motor vehicle crash is higher for teen drivers than any other group of people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated, “[t]he risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19-year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.” According to the CDC, this risk is even higher for male teen drivers, “In 2014, the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 16 to 19 was more than two times that of their female counterparts.” In addition, the risk increases if the teen driver is unaccompanied by an adult and has other teen drivers in the vehicle; “[t]he presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with the number of teen passengers.”
The good news is that if we take time and care with our teen drivers, we can instill safe driving behaviors, teach them the value behind following proper safety measures, and help them develop regular safety habits. Simple tips such as teaching a teen the need to wear a seatbelt or teaching our teens the dangers of using drugs or alcohol and getting behind the wheel can have a significant impact on their safety and the safety of others. Also, making sure that our teens participate in a driver’s education program will help them learn the laws of the road and proper driving techniques. Last, make sure your teens are not using their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving – texting and driving can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one were injured from an accident, please contact us at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC for a free consultation. Care, Compassion, and Preparation: Florida Personal Injury Law As It Should Be.