Each year, the number of teenage drivers on the roads increases exponentially. While this allows teenagers to enjoy more freedom and autonomy, it also poses serious safety risks both to the young drivers as well as other road users.
According to statistics by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle-related accidents are the primary cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Every year, car crashes account for over 2000 deaths, and hundreds of thousands of teens incur serious injuries. These shocking statistics undoubtedly reveal how road safety is still a major problem for teenage drivers in the US.
What are Some of the Causes of Teenage Driving Accidents?
Reports by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicate that nearly 57% of teen-related motor vehicle accidents directly result from distracted driving.
A significant number of teen driving accidents are also attributed to inexperience. Which is why some states have instituted laws to help mitigate teen-related driving accidents. The state of Texas, for instance, requires teenage drivers to garner experience before they can be issued with a graduated driving license, which allows them to carry passengers or drive on their own.
Other factors that contribute to the high rate of teenage driving accidents include poor weather conditions, human error, and mechanical malfunction.
Which Vehicles are Best for New Drivers?
Since teenagers are more likely to cause accidents on the roads, it is important for parents to take into consideration the safety features of a vehicle before buying one. Notably, some cars are safer (have more safety features) and a lot easier to handle than others. Therefore, as a parent, you need to choose the type of car that is appropriate for your teen, keeping in mind that they have little experience behind the wheel.
Every year, the U.S. News and World Report releases a list of the best vehicles for new drivers. These vehicles are assessed using a wide criterion, which takes into account their safety ratings, reliability, crash test scores, and pricing. Some of the cars that were ranked among the best for teenage drivers in 2019 include the Hyundai Accent, which is priced slightly under $20000, and the Volkswagen Jetta, which falls in the $20000 to $25000 price range.
So What Action Should You Take When You are Hurt by a Teen Driver?
If you have fallen victim to the negligence of teen drivers, you are eligible for compensation. It is therefore vital that you get in touch with an auto accident attorney as soon as possible so that you can receive the assistance you need. Our auto accident attorneys at Payas, Payas & Payas are highly experienced in dealing with motor accident compensation. We will walk you through the entire process of filing a claim and ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries, pain, and suffering that you may have experienced.
So what are you waiting for? Give us a call today, and we will be happy to assist you!