Study Shows Teen Drivers Most Likely to Crash in First Month of Driving

A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety determined that in a teen’s first month of driving by themselves after receiving their driver’s license, they are 50 percent more likely to crash than they are after a year.

As parents may no longer be in the passenger seat, the teen is more likely to succumb to common driver distractions, such as talking to other passengers, using a cell phone, or playing with the vehicle’s music player.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and teenage drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash than the average driver, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With these alarming statistics, it is important to be aware of the common causes of accidents involving teens so you can help your child avoid them and be safe on the road.

In more than half of the accidents that occurred in a teen’s first month on the road, the study found that the 3 common mistakes made were lack of attention, failure to yield, and failing to slow down. The California Department of Motor Vehicles adds these other potential reasons for teen driving accidents:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
• Carrying passengers;
• Driving at night;
• Not wearing seat belts; and
• General lack of skill.

As parents, it is crucial to help your teen avoid a possibly serious auto accident by controlling driving privileges (establishing rules), providing supervised driving time in various driving conditions, and setting a good example for your young driver. Unfortunately, preparing your teen is not always enough, and another driver on the road who may be driving recklessly or acting carelessly can put your teenager in jeopardy. If your teenage son or daughter has been involved in a car accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, the skilled car accident attorneys in Maryland at the law firm of Alpert Schreyer can provide assistance. Call (800) 489-1577 for a complimentary consultation.