In Connecticut, auto accidents have various causes. As a result, law enforcement and researchers are conducting detailed accident investigations to find their causes. One factor that is a concern is teen drivers and the dangers created by their behaviors and inexperience. According to a new study from AAA, drivers age 16 and 17, who recently received their driver’s licenses, are in a car accident three times as frequently as adults.
This information coincides with the time of the year that is referred to as the “100 deadliest days.” From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are more people on the road for the summer, and teen driver crashes increase by 15 percent versus the rest of the year. The study also showed that the number of fatal teen accidents in general, were rising. AAA used information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The study showed that teens age 16 to 17 were 3.9 times more likely as drivers 18 and older to be in an accident and 2.6 times as likely as those 18 and older to be in a fatal accident. In addition, they are 4.5 times as likely as drivers from 30 to 59 to be in an accident, and 3.2 times as likely as drivers from 30 to 59 to be in a fatal accident. Drivers who are 80 and above — often viewed as dangers on the road — are less likely to be in an auto accident than their teen counterparts. The risks were enhanced by the teen prevalence of being a distracted driver, failure to wear a seat belt and driving at excessive speeds.
Drivers who are involved in a car accident and suffer injuries or have a loved one who is killed must make certain that they understand the circumstances of the incident as it can be integral to filing a legal case. There can be medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of companionship and other issues that result from a car crash. Having legal assistance for litigation is vital and is the first call that should be made.
Source: Today.com, “Fatal car crashes nearly three times more likely in newly licensed teens,” Linda Carroll, June 1, 2017
