Automobile Collisions are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 15 and 20 years old in the U.S., but less than a quarter of parents are aware of the dangers. A survey conducted by the National Safety Council found that 76 percent of parents are completely unaware of the biggest threat facing teen safety, which is car crashes. Most parents surveyed believed that drugs, alcohol and bullying were some of the most significant safety threats, but none of those issues are as deadly as car crashes.
U.S. Teen Crash Facts
- In 2013, there were 1,691 young drivers who died in car crashes.
- Young drivers accounted for six percent of the total number of licensed drivers in 2013.
- In 2013, nine percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes were 15 to 20 years old.
- An estimated 177,000 young drivers were injured in crashes in 2013.
- Of the young drivers with known restraint (seatbelt) use, only 50 percent of those who died in crashes in 2012 were restrained at the time of the crashes.
Teen Driver Safety Week
This year, National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 18-24) focused not only on educating teens about safe driving habits and techniques, but it also focused on educating parents on the top five risk factors facing teens behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “5 to Drive” safety campaign addresses the five main factors that increase the risk for injury causing and fatal crashes among teen drivers. Parents are encouraged to talk to their teen drivers about the “5 to Drive” rules and enter into a contract with their children to improve accountability.
“5 to Drive” Teen Driver Safety Rules
- No cell phone use or texting while driving,
- No extra passengers,
- No speeding,
- No alcohol, and
- No driving or riding without a seat belt.
Car Crashes Involving Teen Drivers
Although automobile collisions are the leading cause of death for teens, less than a quarter of U.S. parents surveyed were aware of the dangers. Crashes involving teen drivers, especially where additional peer passengers are involved, can be devastating for families. If your teen has been injured in a car wreck in Wichita Falls, Lawton or the surrounding Texoma communities, contact the skilled team at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free case consultation.