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Feb 13, 2013 - Truck Accidents, Tuscaloosa by Cross & Smith
A teen driver near Huntsville reportedly hit a guard rail and plummeted into Flint River, while reportedly swerving to miss another vehicle.
Our Tuscaloosa personal injury attorneys know young drivers are at high risk of an accident through spring and early summer. There is no indication that alcohol was a factor in this crash, but we know drunk driving is just one concern with prom and graduation celebrations on the horizon.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that motor vehicle accidents are the No. 1 cause of death for American teens, with roughly seven youth between the ages of 16 and 19 dying every single day on the roadway. In 2010, that was approximately 2,700 killed and another 282,000 seriously injured. When you account for number of miles driven, statistics show that teen drivers in this age group are three times as likely as those over age 20 to be in a fatal wreck.
This is all before you factor in events like prom and graduation.
Authorities and advocacy programs do a lot to try to warn teens about the dangers each spring — including the dangers associated with drinking and driving during these events. Often, dramatic examples are used, such as crumpled vehicles outside schools. Saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints are also commonplace. Inevitably, though, there will be those who refuse to heed the warnings.
Alcohol isn’t the only risk factor. Distraction is a huge problem, and teens are far more likely to be driving with their peers – something that is statistically proven to increase distraction and drive up accident rates.
Drowsy driving is another risk factor, especially as the end of the school year approaches. Make sure your teen isn’t stretched too thin. School, sports, work and special functions can quickly lead to burnout without proper rest and nutrition. Beginning the conversation with your teen now can best ensure a safe spring and summer travel season.
For parents, having the conversation is critical. Make it a priority to drive home the following points:
Teen Driver Goes off Bridge; Plunges into Flint River, Feb. 7, 2013, By Ty Watwood, Robert Reeves and Tim Hanson, WHNT 19 News
"After my husband was injured in a burn accident at work, we felt the accident could have been avoided. I was not sure where to start, but after careful research, we met with Justin Smith and shared our experience. From day one, we felt we were in good hands. Justin and Dell explained everything and kept us informed from start to finish. It was a complicated case that took an outside the box approach. Both Justin and Dell made us feel like part of the team."
Posted By: Rhonda Moore