Every year, tragic and preventable car accidents involving young and inexperienced drivers increase sharply between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This period of time is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teenage drivers.
Between graduating from high school, attending senior prom and starting summer vacation, the summer offers young drivers a great deal of new found freedom. Unfortunately, when teenage drivers do not obey the rules of the road, they can jeopardize their safety, as well as the safety of those around them.
Distracted Driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents involving teenage drivers. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that use of cell phones and mobile devices behind the wheel has increased among young drivers in recent years. When young, inexperienced drivers do not keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road at all times, the consequences are often deadly.
The AAA study examined traffic accident data collected between 2007 and 2015, and some of the findings are extremely troubling:
• During the “100 Deadliest Days,” the number of teenage drivers fatally injured in car crashes increases as much as 16% compared to other days of the year.
• Distracted Driving was a factor in nearly 60% of car crashes involving teenage drivers.
• Nearly half of teen drivers surveyed admitted to reading a text message or email while driving in the last 30 days.
Drivers between the age of 15 and 19 were involved in the highest amount of distraction-related car crashes. In 2014, 10% of teenage drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents were reported as distracted at the time of the crash.
For parents and teachers, this is a crucial time of year to discuss proper driver safety with young motorists. Click here to find resources for parents that can help you talk to your children about the dangers of Distracted Driving.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a car accident caused by a distracted or negligent driver, call Fellows Hymowitz Rice at 845-639-9300.
When you call, you will speak with an experienced, dedicated New York and New Jersey Car Accident Attorney absolutely FREE. If we take on your case, we will review every detail of your accident at no cost and fight hard to make sure that you are adequately compensated.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, there is no legal fee unless there is a recovery because we take all cases on a contingent basis. This means you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
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