Parents’ Role in Reducing Teen Car Accidents

Teen car accidents are increasing across United States. Vehicle crashes account for most deaths and injuries among teens 16 to 19 years old. In a recent study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), researchers reveal that risky driving behavior includes unsupervised driving at night, having another teen passenger and speeding.

These findings are supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In a separate study, NHTSA states that teens are more likely to get in an accident after 9:00pm and when they have passengers than without.

The study shows that when parents do not limit their teen’s driving, traffic violations and car accidents increase. It also shows that while parents have a prime position to influence them, many of them are less involved in their children’s driving. Moreover, few programs and instructional driving have been developed to teach parents manage teen driving risks.

This study also proves that families participating in the Checkpoints Program impose stricter driving limits on their teens only when they get their licenses and three months later.

According to Duane Alexander, M.D., Director of the NICHD, parents can reduce the extremely high probability of crash by limiting their teen’s driving to less risky conditions. Hence, a simple intervention from them can greatly reduce the increasing incidents of teen car accidents.

Facts on Teen Driving

While teenagers only consist of about 10 percent of the whole U.S. population, they account for 12 percent of all fatal car crashes.

Car crashes are the number one killer of teen drivers ages 16 to 19 years old. The death rate among these age bracket is four times higher than that of older drivers. In fact, about 6,000 teens are killed in car accidents annually.

Male teenagers are more likely to get into an accident than female teen drivers.  In fact, male teen deaths are 1.5 times greater that their female counterpart. Speeding and non-use of seatbelt are the frequent reasons for teen accidents. In fact, speeding account for 35 percent of teen deaths.

Death can be a horrifying experience. Irresponsible teen driving can lead to fatal injuries not only to him but to others as well. In case of death or injury, a victim should employ a personal injury lawyer who understands the profound loss of a loved one or gives sympathy for a victim.

A successful wrongful injury case can help recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses and punitive damages for the emotional turmoil caused by the accident.