Getting a drivers license is an exciting moment, especially for teenagers who are ready to hit the road. As soon as the new driver gets behind the wheel though, they are susceptible to all the dangers of being on the road.

According to University of Michigan researchers, 6 in 10 American teenagers have a drivers license. Consequently this means that more than 6 teenagers are in danger of being in an accident as teens may often drive with friends in the car.

Here are some interesting teen driver accident statistics from the Center for Disease Control:

  • People aged 15-24 account for $26 billion of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries.
  • Every day 7 teens between the ages of 16 and 19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2010.
  • In the United States approximately 282,000 teens aged 16 to 19 were treated for car crash injuries and about 2,700 were killed in motor-vehicle crashes.

In Oklahoma teenaged drivers aged 16 to 19 in large cities, such as Tulsa, were accountable for at least 10 fatal crashes. The number of fatal car accident in Oklahoma actually increased between 2010 and 2011.

If you or anyone you know has been hurt in an accident involving a teen driver, they may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. The experienced team of auto accident lawyers at The Edwards Law Firm are ready to review your claim.

We charge no up-front costs and are ready to help you today.

Teenage Driver Accident Causes

One reason why accident statistics for teens is so high is because they are inexperienced and often fail to recognize dangerous situations. Not recognizing risky situations can lead to dangerous behind the wheel. Some customary reasons why teenaged drivers get into collisions include:

The Center for Disease Control reports that in 2010 39% of fatal crashes involved speeding while 25% involved alcohol. According to statistics in Oklahoma, speed accounted for about 1,000 car crashes.

Teens are also less likely to wear seat belts, in 2011 only 54% admitted to wearing seatbelt while riding as a passenger in a vehicle.

Tips for Teen Drivers

Parents should take extra precautions when driving with their teens whether they are the driver or passenger as they can steer teens toward driving more carefully.

Many states, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, offer a graduated driver licensing program which gives teens the chance to become exposed to driving over an extended period of time. The program helps enforce rules and gradually open up different driving scenarios to teens over time.

If you have a teenaged driver, or know one, here are some tips to offer next time they take to the road:

  • Do not use your cellphone or other electronic devices, if you need to for an emergency then pull over to the side of the road
  • Slow down
  • Don’t drink and drive
  • Avoid distractions such as passengers or loud music
  • Let others, such as your parents, know where you are going or when they should expect your return
  • Always use a seatbelt

Parents can also help teen drivers get acclimated by limiting the number of hours a teen drives or how many passengers they are allowed to have.

Driving is big a responsibility and teens should be ready to handle all the hazards they encounter. Teens may also want to get familiar with how defensive driving could help them.

Contact an Experienced Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident where a teenaged driver was behind the wheel, our auto accident attorneys can provide steadfast legal counsel.

At Edwards Law Firm we have been helping clients in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas for years are committed to helping our clients.

If you’re interested in having your case reviewed for free and at no-obligation, contact us at 1-800-304-9246 and one of our staff members will connect you with one of our knowledgeable lawyers.