Teen-Driver Car Accident Fatalities Increase Nationally

April 21, 2012

Teen-Driver Car Accident Fatalities Increase Nationally

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for 16- to 19-year olds, and statistics show that they are on the rise nationally. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the most recent preliminary data available -- for the first half of 2011 -- shows that the number of both 16- and 17-year-olds killed in car accidents is increasing.

New Jersey Fatal Car Accidents

In New Jersey, the trend is the opposite, but that does not necessarily mean the state is a model of superior highway safety. The state's teen-driver fatality rate in the first half of 2011 was lower than in the same time period during the previous year, down from three fatalities to two.

The national teen fatality-rate increase is alarming to safety advocates because teen deaths and overall highway fatalities had been steadily declining, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Possible explanations for the rise in teen crash fatalities and other fatalities caused by these car accidents include a greater number of young drivers on the road, reported the GSHA. Distracted driving, including cell-phone use and texting while driving, is also a contributing factor.

Another common safety issue is the presence of other teenagers in the car. For example, 17-year-olds have a 48 percent higher risk of causing a fatal accident when one young passenger is present. Their risk doubles with two fellow teens in the car and triples with three or more passengers, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Teen Passengers Increase Risk

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, when young passengers are with them in the car, teen drivers are more likely to engage in the following dangerous driving behaviors:
-Speeding
-Running red lights
-Swerving
-Tailgating
-Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Those who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a car accident should contact a skilled personal injury attorney who can fight for your best interests in dealing with your insurance company, the other driver and their representatives.

Article provided by The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese & Barletti
Visit us at http://www.goldandalbanese.com