The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, P.C. have helped countless individuals throughout Provo in their time of legal need. Providing expert counsel, our attorneys have been particularly helpful to people filing lawsuits after serious car accidents. Oftentimes, these cases involve young people behind the wheel, which includes teenagers.
Teens and young adults are almost always at a higher risk for serious injury and accidents whenever they are behind the wheel. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2,163 teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 were killed in 2013. In addition, 243,243 teenage drivers of that age were injured in auto accidents in 2013. To put these numbers in perspective, that means 6 teens die every day as a result of auto accidents.
Texting While Driving
One of the most serious potential causes of auto accidents among teens is texting while driving. Texting and driving leads to major distractions. When traveling at highway speeds, a person can look away to text and in that timeframe travel the length of a football field without paying attention to the road. Numbers from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that 18 percent of fatal auto accidents in 2012 were the result of texting while driving.
Underage Drinking and Driving
Many teens are prone to rebellion and experimentation, which means they will likely drink before they are 21 years old. It’s important that teens avoid getting behind the wheel if they do drink. Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous things that a person can do, leading to serious injuries and fatalities. People who are caught drinking and driving underage will face serious penalties for this crime.
Taking Unnecessary Risks
In addition to drinking and driving, teenagers are also prone to taking unnecessary risks while they are on the road. This includes speeding, weaving, taking sharp turns, racing, and driving recklessly. Their newfound freedom can lead to this kind of acting out, which can have dire consequences. A number of teens are injured every year because of this irresponsible behavior.
A Lack of Experience on the Road
Sometimes a teen may be following all of the rules of the road, but they are simply not experienced enough to know what to do when a problem occurs. It takes time to learn how to drive well and to drive safely. Teens should take extra care when they are driving in order to avoid serious injuries and accidents while on the road.
What Parents Can Do for Teenage Drivers
When your children start driving, be sure to stress the importance of safety. Driving is a privilege, and parents should not be afraid to restrict their teenager’s driving privileges if they act irresponsibly or in any way that may endanger others. Stress safety now rather than deal with hardship later.
Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, P.C.
For more information about your legal options following a serious motor vehicle collision, be sure to contact our team of auto accident attorneys today. The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, P.C. will help you in your time of legal need.