MAY 27, 2022
Is Graduation a Dangerous Time for Car Crashes?
Graduation time is one of the most dangerous tines of the year for teens in car crashes. Many teen drivers have been drinking and they have severe car crashes where parents end up losing a child. Drinking is just one of the reasons proms and graduations are dangerous. Driving at night is more dangerous than in the daytime. Distracted driving rises when a group of teens are together. Celebration can make what is supposed to be the most special occasion of a young person's life into the most deadly time of their entire life.
What is the risk of a fatal car accident for a teen driver?
According to the CDC there were at least 2400 teen fatalities in 2019. More than 258,000 teens from age 13-19 were treated in hospital rooms. The risk to teen drivers is exceedingly high during graduations and proms. Many teens think they are ready to drive but still have little experience and training.
What are the Danger Zones of Driving?
Teens have many danger zones as young drivers. The top 10 danger zones for teen drivers are:
- Driving after consuming alcohol or smoking pot.
- Nighttime driving is more dangerous.
- Driving while using cell phones and mapping devices.
- Driving without seat belts.
- Driving while talking to friends in the car causing distraction.
- Inexperienced or incompetent driving skills.
- Poor parental training on proper driving skills.
- Speeding or driving recklessly.
- Use of headphones to listen to music while driving.
- Careless driving by inattentive young drivers.
Mothers against drunk driving (MADD) teaches car crashes are the leading cause of death for younger drivers in their teens who have not yet learned how to appropriately drive safely. AAA reports that the teen driving crash rate is particularly high while the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reports that the crash rate involving fatalities is much higher for 16-19 year olds. Proms and graduations make the danger even higher.
How can I keep my child safe on graduation night?
The most important thing a parent can do is talk to your teenage driver and teach them how bad things can become. Teach your teenager that drinking and driving do not mix. Tell them how bad accidents can really be. Show them an online photo of a severe accident causing wrongful death and explain to them that they are the only one who can protect themselves. Teach them not to ride with drunk or stoned drivers and to always wear their seatbelt.
Now that we have the age of Uber and Lyft get an app for your child's phone and tell them it is okay to call them rather than drive drunk or even ride with a drunk friend. The cost of the Uber ride is much cheaper than the hospital or funeral bills.
Tell your child that no matter how late it is, you will get up to come get them. Let them know they will not be punished for making it home safely and awakening you or interrupting you.
Teach your teen that the night should be remembered as a special great event in their life and that you want it to be perfect and accident free. They will listen to you if you openly talk to them and do not fear that mom or dad will be mad if they call at a late hour.
If ever needed, do not hesitate to call 1-800-WIN-BULL for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. We are a car crash law firm that is licensed in Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. (Not all attorneys are licensed in all states.)
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