Posted on June 10, 2009 by LaBovick Law

Teen Driving Statistics and Safety Rules for Teen Drivers

The end of school signals the beginning of summer and the time of the year when many young, inexperienced teenaged drivers will be on the roadways. Whether these minor drivers are heading to their part-time jobs or out for a day of fun in the sun, the number of teen drivers on the roads during the summer months increases significantly. Because of their inexperience and risky behaviors behind the wheel, teen drivers are often the victims of devastating car crashes. Even though teen drivers only represent approximately 7 percent of the driving population, teen drivers account for approximately 14 percent of all traffic-related fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States.

While teenagers may be inexperienced drivers, this fact does not imply that all teens are unsafe drivers. Teenaged drivers simply need to be more aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions while on the road. Teen drivers should avoid distractions while driving, such as changing the radio, texting while driving, or having too many passengers in the car. Because many accidents involving teens occur at night, teen drivers should safeguard against accidents by paying close attention to all traffic laws, being aware of other drivers, and being free of distractions. Car crashes involving teens not only affect the teens involved in the crash but their families, employers, and society in general. According to studies conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), the cost of teen car crashes in 2008 was more than $34 billion for medical bills, property damage, and other related expenses.

In 2003, Florida was ranked number 4 among the 50 states with the worst teen fatal crash rate. In 2008, 4 of the 10 deadliest hotspots for teen fatalities among the 50 largest metro areas were found in Florida. The CDC reports that more than half of all teen car accidents occur on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), and approximately half of all teen accidents occur between 3pm and midnight. However, teens do not have to become a statistic over the summer months. By using good judgment and making mature decisions, teens can safely enjoy their summer and their time behind the wheel. Teens should make sure they drive the speed limit, do not drink and drive, do not ride with someone that has been drinking, wear their seatbelt at all times, and limit the number of passengers in their vehicle. By following some simple driving rules and safety regulations, teens may save their lives as well as the lives of others.
 

Parents have a talk with your teen about driving safety. Take a look at the following list of suggested topics to include in the conversation:

Suggested Safety  Rules for Teen Drivers - provided by the NHTSA

Alcohol: Absolutely No Alcohol (No exceptions)
Seat belts: Always Buckle Up! - (In Florida, it is the law June 30th)
Cell phone/texting: No talking or texting while driving  (Set an example and use a headset)
Curfew: Have the Car in the Driveway by 10 p.m. (depending upon circumstances)
Passengers: No more than one at all times (this simple rule has saved many lives)
Graduated Drivers License: Follow your state's GDL law
Parental Responsibility: Set your house rules and consequences

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Posted on July 17, 2007 by LaBovick Law

Drowsy Driving causes Teen UM Players to crash car

Lack of sleep can create dangers for drivers, especially teen drivers. It is estimated that teens need approximately 9 hours of sleep, whereas the average adult needs 7 - 8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation can create dangers on the road that can affect coordination, reaction time, and judgment. A study comparing sleep deprivation and alcohol concluded that "people who drive after being awake for 17 to 19 hours preformed worse than those with a blood alcohol level of .05 percent. The legal blood alcohol limit in most U.S. states are  .1 percent and a few at .08 percent. Sleep deprivation can be as harmful as drunk driving. Click Here to read the AAA study on drowsy driving and traffic safety.

Recently in South Florida three teens from UM were involved in a car crash with a flip over. Thankfully no one died, but one was injured.  Two of them were top recruits for the University of Miami Hurricanes Football program. According to the Palm Beach Post, the driver Jermaine McKenzie, was charged with careless driving after falling asleep at the wheel. These teens have a lot to be thankful for, they were wearing their seat belts. Their car was totaled and flipped over several times after finally landing on the top.

As a Law Firm that handles Personal Injury Car Accident cases in Florida, LaBovick & LaBovick has handled car accident cases involving teen drivers. In some instances, innocent car accident victims have lost lives or been severely injured as a result of a teen driver.

What can we do to prevent this from happening to other innocent Accident victims? Share information on Teen Driving. Promote Teen Driving Safety programs and help the public become more aware. This is not to penalize young people, but rather, help create awareness and continue the dialogue that Teen Driving Accidents can be cut down if we take the time to care and promote safety.

The National Safety Council offers an Arrive Alive at 25 program for young drivers. Corporations such as Allstate, State Farm and Toyota all have a teen safe driving educational program. We can all make a difference if we take the time to share important safety messages to teens, without sounding judgmental. If you want more information on teen driving and safety Click Here,  provide us with your contact information and we will send the information.

Interesting National Teen Driving Statistics for 2005 from the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association:

• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.
• 3,467 drivers age 15-20 died in car crashes in 2005.
• Drivers age 15-20 accounted for 12.6 percent of all the drivers involved in fatal crashes and 16 percent of all the drivers involved in police-reported crashes in 2005.
• Graduated drivers license programs appear to be making a difference. Fatal crashes involving 15- to 20-year olds in 2005 were down 6.5 percent from 7,979 in 1995, to the lowest level in ten years.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates the economic impact of auto accidents involving 15-20 year old drivers is over $40 billion.
• According to a 2005 survey of 1,000 people ages 15 and 17, conducted by the Allstate Foundation: 
•  More than half (56 percent) of young drivers use cell phones while driving,
•  69 percent said that they speed to keep up with traffic
•  64 percent said they speed to go through a yellow light.
•  47 percent said that passengers sometimes distract them.
•  Nearly half said they believed that most crashes involving teens result from drunk driving.
• 23 percent of teen drivers killed in 2005 were intoxicated, according to NHTSA.
• Statistics show that 16 and 17-yr-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger.

The Law Firm, LaBovick & LaBovick, Civil Justice Prosecutors, is a Plaintiff’s firm. The firm focuses on fighting for Plaintiff’s personal injury victim’s rights in Florida and on qui tam (whistleblower claims) nationwide.  We handle all serious injuries, car accidents, maritime accidents, wrongful death, slip & fall, toxic torts and product liability cases. We have locations in Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Jupiter and Port St. Lucie, Florida. Visit our firm website at www.LaBovick.com
for more injury information.


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