Whether you have a teen who is starting to drive or you recently secured your driver’s license, it is imperative to understand the risks that are present on the road and take steps to prevent an accident. Sadly, motor vehicle collisions upend the lives of many teens each year and these accidents are especially devastating when they result in long-term effects on victims at such a young age.
Sometimes, inexperienced drivers also pose a threat to others on the road, and it is crucial for anyone struck by another driver’s carelessness or inability to follow traffic safety guidelines to explore all of the resources that are available to them during their recovery.
Reviewing statistics on teens and traffic crashes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens who recently obtained their driver’s license are especially likely to cause a motor vehicle collision. In fact, research shows that 16-year-olds were 1.5 times more likely to become involved in traffic crashes than those who were 18 and 19, according to a survey that gathered information from 2016 and 2017. Moreover, those between the ages of 16 and 19 are involved in more traffic crashes than people in any other age group.
Reviewing the impact of these collisions
Roughly 285,000 teens received emergency treatment for motor vehicle crash injuries during 2018, and nearly 2,500 lost their lives. Moreover, these crashes led to roughly $11 billion in lost wages and medical costs during 2018. The emotional toll of an auto accident is often especially difficult when drivers and passengers at a young age are involved in a crash. It is critical for teen drivers to understand the many hazards on the road and for parents to help inform their children of the dangers that are present whenever they get behind the wheel.