Auto Accident Attorneys

Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, New York City, NY

Teens and Car Accidents

Auto accidents in the United States are the number-one cause of death for teenagers. In fact, most transportation authorities put the incidence of teen deaths from car crashes in this country at four times higher than for any other age group.

The auto accident attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. can discuss these facts and provide answers to any questions you may have about car accidents involving teenagers.

Certainly, the rebellious and risk-taking behaviors that some teens are known for, as well as inexperience, are substantial factors in these statistics.

Here are some additional insights into teens and car accidents:

• The majority of car crashes involving teenagers happen during the week, at night.
• Most auto accidents caused by teenagers (80 percent, in fact) can be tied back to inexperience and driver error.
• More than half of teen car accidents are related to alcohol or drug use.
• Teen drivers tend to exceed posted speed limits and avoid seat belt use, especially when driving other teenagers in the car.
• Cell phone use and texting is a growing cause of auto accidents caused by teens. (A recent study showed that nearly 50 percent of teen drivers say they text while driving.)
• The first six months after a teen gets a driver's license is the period of highest risk of a fatal accident.
• More teenagers than any other age group disregard seat belt laws.

How Can You Keep Your Teen Driver
Safe Behind the Wheel?

• Enforce strict rules about using a cell phone or texting while driving.
• Do not let your teenager drive after dark, or with other teens.
• Mandate the use of seat belts at all times.
• Make sure your teen understands what can happen if driving and alcohol and drug use mix.
• Opt for a no-tolerance rule when it comes to reckless driving.
• Reinforce good driving behavior, such as obeying the speed limit, and yielding to other vehicles, when you drive.

If a member of your family has been involved in a car accident caused by a teen driver, our experienced team of auto crash legal specialists can help. Please contact the car accident lawyers the law office of Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.