Though they probably tire of hearing about it, teen drivers do create more risks on the highway than older drivers. They are one of the highest-risk age groups, crashing more frequently than drivers of any other age.
If this is surprising, it may not be when you start to consider the risk factors. Some of them are avoidable, but others are not. This means teens face inherent risks that there is really no way around under the current system.
For instance, avoidable risks that young people still take frequently include things like:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Driving with friends
- Breaking the speed limit
- Tailgating other drivers
- Taking extra risks behind the wheel, especially to conform to social norms
A good driver can simply refuse to do some of these things and keep themselves far safer than others in the same age group. Teens need to know that much of their safety is up to them.
That said, there are also unavoidable risks, such as inexperience. A teen who just got a license simply does not have experience driving alone, and there is no way to get it other than driving. Also, young men crash more often than young women. While men can be aware of the risky behaviors noted above, they have to understand that they still face greater odds of getting into an accident.
Have you been injured in a crash with a teen driver? If you have, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages and other damages.