Top Causes for Citrus County Teen Car Crashes

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death among teens ages 16-19 throughout the United States. In fact, teens are much more likely to be involved in an Inverness car accident than any other age group.

In 2009, 3,000 teens between the ages of 15 and 19 were killed in automobile accidents occurring across the nation. Sadly, another 350,000 were treated for injuries.

As a parent, you may be wondering what causes teens to become involved in a collision. Some of the most common causes for a car crash in Citrus County include the following:

Driver Inexperience – Teen accidents still occur despite proper education and safe driving tips. While teens may be focused on the roadway, they lack the experience needed for operating their vehicle in the safest possible manner.

Driver Distractions – Just like adults, there are numerous things that can distract a teen’s eyes from the road. Texting, talking on a cell phone, changing the stations on the radio, eating or even having other passengers in the car can all cause a teen to lose focus on the main task at hand. It is important for teens to limit the number of passengers in their car because this is a top cause of deadly accidents. In fact, according to the National Institute for Highway Safety, 16- and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with every additional passenger in the car.

Drinking & Driving – It is important for teens to be reminded of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Sadly, 33 percent of fatal accidents in 2009 involved teens between the ages of 15 and 19 who were drunk behind the wheel.

The first 500 miles for teen drivers are the most dangerous, so parents must be extra cautious and always remind teens of safe driving practices before they get behind the wheel. Remember, teenagers are not the only ones who can suffer serious injuries or death in auto accidents. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, two-thirds of those killed in traffic accidents involving teenage drivers are the other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Because of this, it is critical for all drivers, especially teens, to always drive safely and to pay attention to the road.

If you have been involved in an Inverness car crash caused by a teen driver, a Citrus County Auto Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Contact us today online or call 352-726-0078 for a free consultation.