Teenager Car Accidents

Teenager Driver Fast Facts And Statistics

The Insurance Information Institute reported the following facts and statistics for 2022 for drivers aged 15 to 20:

• Car accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths
• There were 2,034 young driver fatalities
• 1,033 passengers of young drivers died in car crashes
• Young drivers killed 1,607 occupants in other cars
• Young drivers were responsible for 665 non-occupant fatalities (pedestrians, bicyclists)

Here in Colorado, CDOT reported the following for 2024:

• There were more than 8,000 car crashes involving teenage drivers
• The average number of teen driver crashes amounts to 23 every day
• There were 119 fatalities involving drivers 20 or younger
• The number of teen-related fatalities increased by 59% over the previous five years

Teen Driver Car Accident Risks

Teens face higher risks of getting into a car accident than other age groups for several reasons: 

• Inexperience: The crash risk for newly licensed teen drivers is much higher during the first three months of driving. However, the risk rate gradually declines as they gain more experience on the road.
• Distractions: Teen drivers are more likely to be distracted by their smartphones, text messages, or other things. All it takes is a few seconds of being distracted to get into a car crash.
• Male drivers: The accident and death rate for teenage male drivers is three times higher than for female drivers.
• Young adult and teen passengers: When another teen or young adult is in the vehicle with the teen driver, the risk of getting into a car accident increases. 

Common Causes Of Teenage Driver Car Crashes 

CDOT reported the number one cause of teenage driver car crashes is speeding, which accounted for 30% of all teen car accidents in 2022. Another concern related to the number of teen fatalities is the lack of seatbelt use. 50% of teen fatalities in 2022 were due to not wearing a seatbelt. Other common causes of teen driver car accidents include:

• Texting and driving
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence
• Inexperienced nighttime driving

Reducing Risks Of Car Accidents For Teen Drivers

One way CDOT is helping is with their Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) laws. GDL laws place restrictions on teen drivers to eliminate distractions, and allow them to focus on driving safely. Since the laws were implemented, there has been an almost 50% decline in teenage traffic fatalities. Part of the GDL teen driving laws include: 

• Prohibiting driving between midnight and 5 a.m. during the first year of having your license.
• Restricting passengers to only those 21 and older during the first six months of having your license.
• Allowing only one passenger under 21 in the vehicle during the second six months of having your license.
• Zero tolerance for driving under the influence.

Additionally, several things teen drivers, and their parents, can do to help reduce the risk of getting into a car accident are:

• Reviewing the Parent-Teen Driving Agreement: The CDC offers this free agreement to help parents and teens remember good driving habits and behaviors. 
• Reviewing Colorado teen driving laws: The car accident laws in CO regarding teen drivers are constantly changing. Parents should review these with their teens before they start driving, and annually after they start driving. 
• Reviewing the eight danger zones of driving: The CDC provides this information to help educate parents and teenagers about the risks of driving and the leading causes of teen car crashes. 
• Reviewing the Colorado driver handbook: It never hurts to brush up on teen driving safety by reviewing this handbook every six months. 
• Getting comfortable with the vehicle: Teens should take the time to familiarize themselves with how to adjust the mirror and seat, turn on the headlights and wipers, and adjust the steering wheel to the proper height. They should also practice putting their seatbelt on and adjusting the height if necessary. 
• Reviewing the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program: This free program and mobile app helps parents and teen drivers review their driving skills and log their drives. 
• Reviewing auto insurance policies: Parents should consider increasing their liability insurance coverage limits with a teen driver. They should also add uninsured and underinsured coverage, and medical payments coverage, if they do not currently have these. 

How Teens Can Help Reduce The Risk Of Car Accidents

Teens can do their part to reduce the risk of getting into car accidents by:

• Not texting and driving
• Not using their smartphones while driving
• Never driving while under the influence
• Not speeding
• Obeying all traffic laws
• Maintaining a safe following distance between vehicles
• Not driving in poor weather conditions when lacking experience
• Wearing their seatbelt

The Legal Consequences Of Teen Driver Car Accidents

When a teenage driver gets into a car accident, there are legal consequences you need to be aware of, including:

• Liability: Teen drivers are liable for any personal injuries and property damages they cause to another when they are at fault for causing the accident. Their parents can also be held liable when they are under 18. 
• Traffic tickets: If a traffic violation occurred, they could be issued a ticket, and have to pay the resulting fine.
• Points: Traffic violations have varying point amounts added to a license. If they accumulate too many points, their license can be revoked. 
• Increased insurance rates: Your insurance rates can increase significantly if your teenager was responsible for the accident. 
• Potential criminal charges: If they were driving under the influence or they killed someone, they could face criminal charges with varying fines, fees, and possible jail time.

Get Free Teen Driver Car Accident Advice Today

If you are involved in a teen driver car accident, it is crucial to consult with a skilled attorney to find out your legal rights and options. Whether you were at fault, or another driver was, you want to protect your future, ensure the best possible outcome, and secure a favorable settlement. Contact Bachus & Schanker to schedule your free consultation now.

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