How Many Car Accidents In Utah Are Caused by Teenage Drivers?
Teen drivers have always faced a greater risk of car accidents due to inexperience behind the wheel and immature decision-making and judgment processes; however, today’s teens may have an increased risk of causing an accident due to societal changes such as cell phone distraction and impaired driving. A Utah Department of Public Safety study shows that only about 8% of drivers on the road in Utah are teenagers, yet they are involved in 20% of the state’s car accidents. What makes teen drivers a significant safety hazard on the Utah roadways?
What Makes Teenage Driving a Risk?
Statistics reveal that teenage drivers contribute to a disproportionate percentage of car accidents in Utah or elsewhere. In 2022, there were 5,339 car accident deaths in the United States involving teenage drivers, including 664 non-occupant deaths, or deaths to other motorists in a collision with a teen driver. Teenagers are 1.7% more likely to have an accident than older drivers. Drivers between the ages of 16-18 had the highest accident rate among drivers.
Teen drivers have less experience than older drivers, may have poorer decision-making skills, and are more susceptible to distractions from their cell phones and other passengers.
Understanding Teen Driving Risks
The Utah Department of Public Safety study shows that multiple elements of teen driving increase the risks of an accident, including the following:
- 33% of fatal car accidents caused by teens were due to speeding
- 23% of fatal teen crashes occurred due to failure to remain in the proper lane
- 17% of teen car accidents occurred due to disregarding traffic signals
- 17% of car accidents caused by teenage drivers were due to over-correcting
- About 21% of teen driver crashes occurred because the driver followed too closely
- 18% occurred due to a teen driver’s failure to yield the right of way
- 11% of teenage car accidents occurred due to distracted driving
One of the most startling Utah car accident statistics revealed that 40% of teenage drivers and their passengers killed in car accidents were not wearing their seatbelts. Teenage drivers who aren’t properly restrained are 26 times more likely to die in a car accident. Sadly, passengers riding in a car with teen drivers are more likely to die in accidents than the drivers themselves. For every additional passenger in the car, the risk of a teenage driver having an accident increases due to distraction.
When Do Most Teenage Driving Accidents Occur In Utah?
Most car accidents with adult drivers occur on the weekends, but in contrast, more teen driving accidents occur on weekdays. Teenage driving accidents peak during afterschool hours between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
What to Do After an Accident With a Teen Driver?
The aftermath of a car accident is chaotic, particularly those involving teen drivers and serious injuries. After an accident, you may be too seriously injured to do anything other than wait for help to arrive; however, if you’re able to use your phone safely, you can help document evidence of the teen driver’s liability for your damages like property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
First, call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services. Then, while you wait for help, use the phone’s camera to take photos of the accident scene and damaged vehicles. If you’re too injured to do so safely, ask an uninjured person to take photos for you. Then, add the contact information of the teen driver. Go directly to the hospital from the accident scene and ask for a detailed medical report of your injuries. This evidence helps injury victims recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Contact A Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a car accident by a teenager or another driver, contact a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer today from Handy & Handy. We can help ensure your rights are protected and get the compensation that you deserve.