According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the leading cause of death for teenagers remains motor vehicle accidents. Teens have the highest crash rate of any age group in the United States. In 2013, about 963,000 drivers between the age of 16 to 19 were involved in police-reported car crashes. Those accidents resulted in 383,000 injuries and 2,865 deaths.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted several studies to report on the common mistakes that many teenage drivers make while on the road. AAA recommends that parents educate their teenagers regarding the risks of these common mistakes, as well as the steps necessary to avoid making these mistakes.

Teenage Drivers

Mistake #1: Failing to wear a seat belt.

According to the NHTSA, approximately 56% of the teenagers who were killed in car crashes in 2013 were not wearing a seat belt. Parents should stress the importance of wearing a seat belt as a way to reduce one’s chance of being hurt or killed in a car accident.

Mistake #2: Driving too fast or speeding.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a study in 2015 to analyze teen car accidents. Of the 1,700 videos of teenager car accidents, teens were driving too fast for conditions in 79% of the single-vehicle crashes that were examined. Speeding seems to be a factor in almost every car accident involving a teenage driver. Young drivers must understand that speeding is against the law, and it is a dangerous habit because it increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle.

Mistake #3: Following too closely.

It is reported that teenage drivers often fail to allow adequate following distance between cars. AAA recommends that teen drivers practice the four-second rule to help them maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

Mistake #4: Distracted driving.

Of the 1,700 car crash videos analyzed in 2015, distraction was a factor in almost 60% of the accidents. The most common distractions were interacting with passengers in the vehicle and cell phone use. Texting while driving is a dangerous and tempting distraction to teen drivers. Parents must demonstrate safe driving behaviors by not using cell phones while driving and by setting a zero tolerance policy for their teen’s cell phone use while driving. According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the easiest way to say it is: “On the road, off the phone.”

Tampa Car Accident Attorneys – Capaz Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, it is important to contact a knowledgeable and experienced Tampa personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The Capaz Law Firm will help guide you through the legal process. To schedule a free consultation regarding your potential claim, contact the car accident injury lawyers at Capaz Law Firm.