Summer Driving Proved to be Most Dangerous for Teens
With summer right around the corner, Colorado parents should be aware of the impending danger that is possible during this season. Many states, such as Colorado, are constantly working on to address the dangers of teen driving and working hard to lower these risks. Colorado holds a “graduated license” law which restricts teens from driving with passengers under the age of 21, driving at night, and number of passengers allowed in the vehicle. While these laws have lowered the risks, many teen drivers still face different risks and challenges.
Accident Rates
Recently the Automobile Association of America’s Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA) compiled a study of teen drivers and their accident rates. The AAA’s study shows that summer is the deadliest time of the year for teen drivers with an outstanding rate of 442 deaths during the summer compared to 363 deaths during spring, autumn, and winter. Overall, between 5 to 6 thousand teens die every single year.
Statistics
Studies show that 16 and 17 year old drivers risk of death increases 44% when driving with a passenger younger than 21. If there are two passengers younger than 21, the risk automatically doubles. And the risk quadruples and so forth when there are three or more passengers. The risk simply goes up with underage drivers. Studies show that a teen driver dying in an accident with a passenger that is 34 or older decreases by at least 62%.
Accident Factors
While there are many factors that contribute to accidents, most are avoidable. In teen accidents there are often distractions such as cell phones, text messaging, iPods, and sometimes simply being engrossed in talking. Studies show that teens are more prone to exceed speed limits and unfortunately drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Accident Prevention
It’s important to reinforce authority and rules when having a teen driver in the house. State laws are there to help but it’s important to lay the rules yourself. Parents should always express the importance of turning off electronics, obeying the rules of the road, and forbidding underage passengers. Sometimes even the smallest rules can save a life.
Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact us at McCormick and Murphy, P.C. today so we can help you move one step closer to closure.
