For teenagers across America, getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage. However, there is a serious side to this story—car accidents are the number one killer of teenagers in America. In fact, statistics show that eight teens die every day in car crashes.
Graduated Driver’s License Laws
Most states, including Illinois, have enacted graduated driving license laws in an attempt to reduce the number of teen-related car crash injuries and deaths. Graduated driver’s license laws typically restrict night driving and place limits on the number of passengers that can ride with a novice driver. These restrictions make sense; statistics show teens drivers are four times more likely to crash than are adult drivers.
Following are some of the major factors that contribute to teenage driving accidents and the resulting injuries:
- Driver Inexperience – Teen drivers are most likely to crash a car during the first year of driving.
- Multiple Passengers – With each passenger that rides in a car driven by a teenager, the chance of accident increases.
- Not Wearing a seat belt – Teenage drivers have the lowest rate of seat belt use, as compared to all other drivers. This increases the risk for injury or death during an accident
- Nighttime Driving – Reduced visibility increases the chance of an accident for all drivers and is especially dangerous for new drivers.
- Distracted Driving –Talking, texting, eating, adjusting a radio, fiddling with a global positioning device (GPS), and loud passengers can make focusing on the road a more difficult task. When these distractions are combined with driver inexperience, it creates a dangerous situation.
The motor vehicle accident attorneys at Lane & Lane have compiled a combined total of more than 130 years of legal experience, dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims throughout the Chicago area. If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a teenage driver, contact a Chicago car accident attorney at 312-332-1400 to schedule your complimentary consultation. We will work tirelessly to help you to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.