Did you know that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers.
Tragically, in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2,650 teens in the U.S. ages 16–19 were killed in accidents. This number includes both teen drivers and passengers in vehicles. Additionally, almost 292,000 teens were treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by crashes.
Amazingly:
- Teens ages 15-24 represent only 24 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 30 percent of the costs associated with motor vehicle accidents.
- In 2011, the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 16 to 19 was almost two times that of females.
- In 2012, 23 percent of drivers ages 15-20 involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes admitted to drinking alcohol.
- Only 55 percent of high school seniors in 2013 admitted to wearing seatbelts.
How Can I Monitor My Child’s Driving Habits?
Remember, as a parent, it is your duty to talk to your child about driving responsibly. In addition to criminal charges (like in the example below), if your teen is in an accident that involves personal injuries or death, you can be held civilly liable.
We suggest:
- Speaking to your child about adhering to speed limits, wearing seatbelts and avoiding issues like drunk and distracted driving.
- Making sure that you monitor any friends who your child may be driving with, as passengers can cause distractions for young drivers. Studies have shown that an increased number of passengers in a teen’s vehicle can boost its likelihood of being involved in an accident.
- Setting curfews, if necessary.
- Investing in an application or technology that will allow you to remotely monitor a vehicle’s speed and whereabouts through GPS.
Your teen’s decisions could have a grave impact on not only his or her personal safety, but also the wellbeing of other drivers on the road.
A Tragic Florida Teen Driving Accident
One heartbreaking accident involving a teen was that of Carley Csonka, 18, who was arrested in Deland following a crash that killed another teen.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, last October, Csonka was driving in excess of 80 miles per hour, before accelerating to 105 miles per hour and crashing into a cement pillar on Old Daytona Road. The crash killed a passenger, 15-year-old Harold M. Weinfurtner.
Csonka, a relative of Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka, was charged with vehicular homicide. She was reportedly overheard by witnesses telling her mother at the scene of the accident that she was “showing off” prior to the crash.
Following the Aftermath of a Crash
As the case above shows, not talking to your teen about the dangers of reckless driving can have consequences. For more information about how we have helped victims of automobile accidents, review our verdicts and settlements page.
This page shows that our attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to build a winning case if you are involved in an accident.
Did You Know? In 2012, 71 percent of drivers ages 15-20 involved in fatal accidents were drinking and driving and not wearing seatbelts.