The Leading Cause of Death for Teens in America

According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. The most recent statistics reported by the CDC indicate that almost 2,500 teens were killed in 2016, with almost 300,000 suffering serious injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents. While we are very concerned about the safety of our young people, the sad reality is that these car accidents often involve other people. Studying the causes behind these startling statistics can help make the roads safer for everyone. 

The car accident attorneys at Slappey & Sadd help accident victims in the Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, we will fight for your rights. Call us at 1-888-474-9616 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. 

Who is at Risk?  

The CDC’s website contains some startling statistics: 

• 16-19 year-olds are more likely to be in a car accident than any other age group. 
• 16-19 year-olds are three times more likely to be in a car accident than drivers 20 years or older. 
• Males teens are twice as likely to get in a car accident than females. 
• 16-17 years-olds are almost twice as likely to get in a car accident than 18-19 year-olds. 

These statistics paint a troubling picture – teen drivers face a significant risk of being involved in a car accident and present increased danger to other drivers on the road. 

Teen Car Accidents: the Causes

One of the primary factors in teen car accidents is simply driver inexperience. Teens are less likely to recognize or appreciate dangerous situations and adjust their driving accordingly. This can lead to poor decisions that can result in serious accidents. 

In addition to inexperience, the following factors are commonly involved in car accidents: 

• Teen drivers are more likely to speed and tailgate
• 32% of male teens involved in fatal accidents were speeding
• 21% of male teens involved in fatal accidents were driving while under the influence of alcohol

When Teens Are at Fault

In every car accident case where victims are injured, the question becomes whether the other driver was at fault. Typically, this requires an analysis of whether the other driver was negligent – i.e., failed to exercise the appropriate level of care that a reasonable person would under the same circumstances. Speeding, tailgating, and drinking and driving are all examples of negligent driving, no matter what age the other driver happens to be. 

Contact the Georgia Car Accident Attorneys at Slappey & Sadd Today for a Free Case Evaluation

While we don’t want to pursue legal claims against teen drivers, you shouldn’t have to pay the cost for their negligence. If you’ve been injured in a car accident with a teen driver, you should at least understand your options. Contact the Atlanta car accident lawyers at Slappey and Sadd by calling 1-888-474-9616 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.