Accident statistics make it very clear that teenage drivers pose a disproportionate risk. Drivers in any age group can cause fatal crashes, but they simply happen at a greater rate for young drivers. It’s highest for drivers between 16 and 19.
But why is this, and what can you do to stay safe? That’s a bit more nuanced, so let’s take a look at some of the reasons for these crashes.
1. Inexperienced drivers
First and foremost, teenagers are more prone to mistakes just because they don’t have experience as drivers. In the same way that someone would make more mistakes when learning to paint a picture or play an instrument, driving is a difficult skill, and it takes a while for people to become proficient.
2. Poor decision-making
It’s also worth noting that the portion of your brain involved with decision-making isn’t fully developed in your teen years. That won’t happen until your mid-20s. So some teenagers may not fully understand the ramifications of the choices they’re making and may make poor decisions, such as driving under the influence or driving without their seatbelt on.
3. Distracted driving
Finally, teenagers sometimes get distracted from the road. This can happen if they are busy using their cellphones. But they could also get distracted if they have the music up too loud or if they are talking to friends and passengers who are in the car with them.
You may be an adult, but you do face some risks from the teen drivers around you. If you get injured in an accident that one of them causes, then you need to look into your options to seek financial compensation.
