Driving is a skill, and our young drivers tend to lack experience and be easily distracted. While teen drivers make up the smallest portion of drivers on the road, they are disproportionately showing up in crash and fatality rates. When parents allow their teens to start driving independently, they want to make sure that they have done everything they can to prepare their young adults for the dangers of the road. It’s up to the parents to teach these new drivers the risks of driving and to be vigilant regarding risky driving behaviors.
Teen Driver Accident Statistics
For many teen drivers, they consider being able to drive a freedom and a luxury. But parents see it as the biggest risk when it comes to their everyday safety. Teenagers are the third most likely to die behind the wheel. While Mississippi has made many legislative changes in an attempt to keep teen drivers safe, they remain one of the most dangerous states for teens to drive in.
Some national statistics for teen drivers are:
- Teen drivers are 3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than any other driver
- Most serious car accidents involving teens are due to critical errors
- Speeding is a factor in 30% of fatal teen car accidents
- 45% of teens admit to not wearing a seatbelt
- 40% of teens have admitted to using a phone while driving
- 25% of teens reported riding with a driver who was drinking while driving
In Mississippi, teenagers are some of the least likely passengers to wear seatbelts, and statistically, half of all fatalities are from not wearing a seatbelt.
Before handing your keys to your teen, you should familiarize them with the driving statistics to highlight the importance of safety and responsibility they have while on the road.
Why Are Teen Drivers More at Risk in Mississippi?
While we may think that teenagers are raging on the road with negligence, it is actually their lack of experience that causes the most accidents among teens. Critical errors such as speeding on poor road conditions, not leaving enough following distance to react to traffic or lack of scanning the road up ahead bring the most car accidents that involve teens. There is no substitute for experience, and it is the responsibility of the parents who allow teens on the road to ensure that they finish the required driver education and have an experienced adult driver riding with them until they are confident that they can handle the risks of driving on highly congested roads.
Common risks that teen drivers face:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Lack of experience
- Driving under the influence
- Passenger influence
If it smells like teen spirit it just might be. Parents who ensure that their teens are correctly prepared for the road can help keep them from suffering from fatal car accidents.
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Ensuring your teen driver gets the opportunity to have experience on the road can be scary, but talking to them about how safety measures can save lives.
Some safety tips to work with teen drivers on are:
- Clear rules and expectations on their driving habits
- Practice driving in different road conditions and weather
- Familiarizing them with their car’s features and operations
- How to eliminate distractions inside and outside the car
- Encouraging them to use a seatbelt whenever they are riding in any car
- Ensuring that they graduate from driver’s education and licensing programs
Taking these necessary steps to ensure that your teen driver is fully prepared on the road can help them come home safely. A car accident can be traumatizing at any age, but teens alone in a crash can affect your family for years to come. If your teen has been involved in an accident, immediately contact an experienced car accident attorney to help guide your family in the aftermath.
Teen Car Accident? One Call, That's All.
A car accident is scary for everyone involved, but teen drivers are statistically more involved in fatal car accidents. Teen drivers injured in an accident can be upended with medical costs, long term damages, and trauma and your family shouldn’t face these challenges alone. After an accident with your teen driver, you should reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer in Mississippi for legal counsel.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we have seen car accidents across the state, and when your teen has been involved, we know that you need the best representation for them. One call is all it will take to ensure that we can fight for your family’s rights.
One Call, That’s All: (601) 988-8888
Reach out today.
