While guns and drugs have a big influence on teenager’s deaths, car crashes remain the leading cause of death and injury in the United States. According to the Center of Disease Control Teen Drivers, the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16-19 than among any other age group.
What Causes this Risk?
Many experts have come to agreement that the leading cause of car accidents can vary, they all have one thing in common: Unnecessary risk.
- Texting and driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving
- In addition to these causes, studies show that late night driving, driving on the weekends, and teens driving with other people in the car significantly increases the risk of accidents compared to just driving alone.
How can accidents be prevented?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the likelihood of a teenager getting into a car accident ages 15-20 is 8.1%. Although it doesn’t seem like a lot, teen drivers have a fatal crash rate nearly three times that of drivers 20 and older.
It doesn’t have to be true for you. For that to be possible, here are a list of how to be safe and prevent accidents:
- Wear a seatbelt
- Try to prevent at night or weekends
- DO NOT be under any substance/alcohol while driving
- Cell Phones should be put away while driving to prevent distraction
- Know that you are 100% good to drive:
- Do not drive sleepy.
- Do not drive reckless.
- Do not drive drowsy.
Accidents are not planned. You never know when it’s going to happen to you or a loved one. Always be prepared! Be a good statistic instead of a bad statistic. Drive safely
