Teen Car Accidents an Autumn Safety Focus in Alabama

Sep 2, 2013 - Birmingham, Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

A recent report by the National Safety Council indicates that while Labor Day marked the close of a period known as the 100 deadliest days for teens on the road, these issues don’t stop being a concern just because class is back in session. Rather, awareness and prevention of teen roadway fatalities should be a year-round priority.

It’s estimated that some 1,500 young driver-related crashes occur from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Because parents recognize this as a particularly dangerous time, they practice a kind of hyper-vigilance in ensuring their teens are following safe driving practices. But as this tragedy reveals, our vigilance can’t stop there.

The NSC recently issued an infographic detailing relevant information on teen driving fatalities that it encourages parents to print out and post on the family refrigerator – something to serve as a constant reminder to be mindful of the ever-present risks.

Among the facts highlighted:

• At any given time in the U.S., some 2 million teens are in their first year of driving. That’s more than the population of Houston.
• Every year, drivers under the age of 19 are involved in some 900,00 crashes. That breaks down to about 2,500 crashes daily.
• When it comes to fatal crashes, drivers who are 16- to 19-years-old are the most likely to be involved when compared to other age groups. The rate for this group was 6.1 fatal wrecks per 100,000 miles traveled. The next-highest risk group were those over the age of 65, who had a fatal crash rate of 2.7 per every 100,000 miles traveled.
• Every year, more than 3,575 people die in wrecks involving teen drivers. To quantify this, picture 50 school buses, filled. That’s how many people we’re talking about.
• Talking on a cell phone increases the risk of a crash four-fold.
• Texting increases the risk of a crash by 8 times. Yet, nearly 7 out of 10 teens admit to texting while driving.

Keeping this information in mind may go a long way toward reminding your teen to be on his or her best behavior by the wheel and hopefully, avoiding another tragedy.

Additional Resources:

Funeral arrangements set for teens killed in wreck, Sept. 4, 2013, By Sarah Broadway, WAFF 48 News