All Press Releases for June 20, 2009
Teenaged Drivers as Accident Risks
Teens are more likely to underestimate dangerous driving situations, more likely to speed and tailgate, and more likely to drive while impaired. It is also reported that teenagers have the lowest rate of seatbelt use.
ORLANDO ,FL, June 20, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The leading cause of death for teenagers is motor vehicle accidents. Sixteen-year-olds have the highest crash rates of any other age driver. A sixteen-year-old is three times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than any other age driver. Over 5,000 teenagers die in motor vehicle crashes each year, and the first six months after getting a license are the most dangerous.
Who Are The Most At Risk?
• Males
• Teens driving with teens
• Newly-licensed teens
Crash Risk Factors
• Cell phone use while driving
• Excessive speed
• Routinely speeding through yellow caution lights
• Passenger distractions
• The use of alcohol and drugs while driving
Teens are more likely to underestimate dangerous driving situations, more likely to speed and tailgate, and more likely to drive while impaired. It is also reported that teenagers have the lowest rate of seatbelt use.
Yet, in a study, teens themselves saw their youth and corresponding agility as advantages when driving. They reported they felt better able to cope with poor driving conditions than more experienced drivers. They also reported they felt they would survive any crash-related injury they might suffer because of their young age and ability to heal. This study is a stark reminder to us all of the need to regularly address the perils of risky behavior on the highways with our teenage population.
Many schools and hospitals offer safety programs that address this problem. They provide information and teach technical skills to teenagers, and address their attitudes about being immune to injury and death.
How to Help a Teen Drive Safer
• Ban cell phone use while driving
• Don't allow teens to drive with other teens
• Don't allow teens to drive at night
• Have strict rules and follow them
If you live in the Orlando, Florida area and your teenager has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, please visit the website of the Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm of Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter today to learn about your legal rights and find answers to your questions and solutions to your problems.
Source: Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter
Website: http://www.thefloridafirm.com/index.html
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