The 100 deadliest days for teen driving have begun. According to a report from the National Safety Council (NSC), summertime, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is when accidents involving teen drivers are most prevalent.
If you or someone you love is injured in an accident, call the experienced Fort Worth auto accident attorneys at Anderson Cummings at (817) 920-9000. We’ll discuss your case with you and determine the best course of legal action to get you the justice you deserve.
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2012, almost 1,000 people were killed in auto accidents involving teen drivers, and more than half of those killed were teenagers.
During this time period, teens are on summer vacation and are driving for more recreational purposes than their regular route to and from school. The Council says this could be one reason for the spike.
Though this is certainly a contributing factor, the Council suggests that one of the greatest causes for increased accidents is that teens are driving more frequently with friends in the car.
According to the NSC, teens driving with passengers in the car are at a 44 percent greater risk for getting into an accident than when they are alone. This is a greater risk than texting and driving.
The Council explains that passengers present a constant distraction to a driver, where a cellphone will only present a distraction for a minute or two when the driver picks it up and then sets it back down.
While many states have laws restricting when and how many passengers can be in the car with a teen driver, many parents are not familiar with the risks that friends in the car can pose for their children.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers can help. We can work with you to prove that the driver at fault was distracted at the time of the accident and work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.