Tools to help avoid traffic accidents for young drivers

April 26, 2013

According to the CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents remain the top cause of death for teenagers in the United States. In 2010 an estimated seven teenagers died every day from injuries received while in a car crash.

Although these numbers are grim, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce a teenager's risk of involvement in a car accident.

Who is at risk?

The CDC notes that teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash than drivers over the age of 20. Teen drivers include those aged from 16 to 19 years-old. Within this group, males were at a higher risk than females.

Additional factors that increase the risk of a car crash include:
- More than one passenger in the vehicle
- Recent issuance of a driver's license
- Driving during the weekend

Being aware of these factors can help parents and teens alike to take a proactive role in reducing their risk of involvement in a crash.

What preventative measures are available?

In addition to being aware of the factors that increase a teenager's risk in involvement in a car crash, technological advances also provide preventative measures. Some insurance companies offer installation of a camera within the vehicle that can track unsafe driving habits and report back to parents.

Applications are also available on smartphones that record a vehicle's acceleration, braking and turning throughout a trip and score the driver's performance.

What to do if injured in a car accident?

The majority of personal injury claims within the U.S. are the result of car accidents. If injured in a car accident due to another's negligence or misconduct, compensation may be available to cover the cost of medical and rehabilitative expenses, as well as lost wages and pain and suffering.

These benefits are available if a driver fails to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. Those who do not follow this duty are likely guilty of negligence, the most common legal theory used in car accident claims. Negligence leading to an accident can be determined by reviewing various factors, including:
- Failure to follow traffic laws: speeding or not stopping at a traffic signal
- Disregarding weather conditions: driving too fast in snowy or rainy weather
- Violation of driving under the influence laws: driving after consuming too much alcohol or while under the influence of drugs

Negligence is not the only path available to hold those who violate the law responsible for their actions. Other options include reckless driving. Determining which legal theories apply can be difficult. As a result, if you are injured in a car accident it is wise to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your situation and better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.

Article provided by Bailey & Orozco, LLC, Attorneys at Law
Visit us at www.bolegal.com