Teen drivers are notorious for being bad drivers and for getting into car accidents. Teen drivers have the highest crash rate of any group in the United States. A recent report from the AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety delves deeper into the issues surrounding teen drivers and car crashes.
AAA Foundation Research contributed to a study at the University of Iowa that examined data from teen driver crashes captured on an in-vehicle video camera system. Drivers examined were between the ages of 16 and 19. Researchers examined 1,691 crashes, including single-vehicle loss of control, single-vehicle road departure, rear-end, and angle (front-to-side).
According to the study, excessive speeding contributed to a significant number of the accidents. Driving too fast for conditions occurred in 79% of single-vehicle crashes. Following too closely caused 36% of rear-end crashes and failing to yield to another vehicle caused 43% of angle crashes. Furthermore, distracted driving occurred in 58% of all crashes. The most common types of distracted driving included drivers conversing or otherwise interacting with passengers, and drivers using their cell phones while driving.
Finally, decision errors contributed to 66% of crashes. These errors included failing to yield right of way, running stop signs and driving too fast. Ultimately, the AAA Foundation’s teen safety research believes that driver education and training should be improved to teach young drivers of the effects of distracted driving and other improper driving techniques.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
If you are involved in a car accident as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and property damage. In order to establish liability, you must show that the other driver operated the car negligently. This means that the other driver failed to operate the car in a reasonable manner as another person would under the same or similar circumstances. Common examples of failing to operate a car in a reasonable manner include:
- Distracted driving, including talking or texting on the phone or not paying attention to the road;
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Improper driving techniques, including speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and tailgating;
- Driver fatigue; and
- Failure to use proper caution in poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice.
Contact a Greenville, South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is injured in a motor vehicle accident, an experienced Greenville car accident attorney can help protect your rights. David R. Price, Jr. is an experienced Car Accident Attorney in Greenville, South Carolina. From investigating your claim to filing a personal injury lawsuit, David R. Price, Jr. will fight for your rights throughout the entire process to make sure you recover adequate compensation for your injuries. Examples of recoverable damages include compensation for medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
Contact a Greenville motor vehicle accident attorney today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. You can call us today at 864.271.2636 or visit our office at 318 West Stone Avenue in Greenville.