Teen Accident Lawyer in Mass. | Compensation For Teenager Accidents

Close-up of a young female driver at the wheel

Teenager accident in MA

To see a car full of teenagers is no rare occurrence, be it in movies or down your very own street. This new found freedom is a major step in a teen’s life as they head towards adulthood. Despite this being a rite of passage for these young drivers, there is a concern about the risks involved for these teen drivers being involved in more accidents when they have passengers of the same age.

Teenage Drivers with Teenage Passengers – A New Study

A study by AAA was released in May 2012 and it discussed the connection between teen drivers with other young passengers and fatal accidents. The study showed that the risk of fatal car accidents are dramatically increased when drivers of 16 or 17 have other teenage passengers. We can all understand why this would be true, the lack of concentration when driving isn’t quite second nature yet, and “trying to impress” can both attribute to this.

  • When a teen driver had a passenger in the car under 21 the chances of a fatal accidents is increased by 44%
  • When 2 or more teen passengers were present the risk doubled.
  • The risk of a fatality is quadrupled when 3 or more under 21’s are in the car.
  • 40 % of 16 to 17 year old drivers deaths in the years between 2000 and 2012 involved teen drivers and at least 1 other passenger of 21 years and younger.

When looking at the study data, it also showed that when a teen is driving with an adult over the age of 35, the chance of a fatal accident was decreased by 62%.

Reducing Teenage Deaths in Driving Accidents

State licensing agencies will not be surprised by this study and the stats it provides. From the 90’s states across America started to enact laws that aimed at reducing the number of passengers our younger drivers are allowed. Known as Graduated Driver Licensing Laws (GDL), they set out to restrict the young drivers from being in high risk situations, one of which was driving with younger passengers in the car. The different GLD laws have three stages to them

  • Learner
  • Intermediate
  • Full Privilege

As you work up the levels, they contain fewer restrictions to your driving.

  • 32 states restrict the use of or have bans on cell phones for novice drivers. So this includes any under 18’s or learners.
  • 45 states as well as Washington D.C have restrictions on passengers for anyone in the intermediate stage. A majority of the states say that for the first 6 months to a year of driving you cannot have any passengers under the age of 21.
  • Night time driving is restricted in 48 states and Washington D.C for the intermediate stage and new drivers.

As more focus is put upon teenage drivers and possible distractions, and the new GDL laws that are being made there is hope that teen deaths while driving will be reduced. New drivers need time to become better drivers and help reduce the statistics of fatal auto accidents. Parents can help by encouraging their teens to not drive in groups and to become more focused on their driving.

Teenagers can be involved in various types of accidents that can result in fatalities. Some common causes of teenage deaths due to accidents include:

  1. Motor Vehicle Accidents:
    • Car crashes are a leading cause of teenage deaths. Factors such as inexperience, speeding, distracted driving (texting or talking on the phone), and not using seat belts contribute to these accidents.
  2. Drowning:
    • Accidents in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans can lead to drowning. Lack of swimming skills, inadequate supervision, or risky behavior around water are common contributors.
  3. Drug Overdose:
    • Substance abuse, including the misuse of prescription drugs or illegal substances, can lead to overdose and death.
  4. Suicide:
    • While not typically considered an “accident,” suicide is a major cause of death among teenagers. Mental health issues, bullying, and social pressures can contribute to suicidal thoughts and actions.
  5. Falls:
    • Falls from heights, such as buildings or cliffs, or accidents while engaging in activities like climbing or hiking, can result in fatal injuries.
  6. Firearm Accidents:
    • Accidental discharge of firearms can lead to fatal injuries. Lack of proper firearm safety education and secure storage contribute to these incidents.
  7. Sports-related Injuries:
    • Injuries sustained during sports activities can sometimes result in fatalities, especially in high-impact sports or when proper safety measures are not followed.
  8. Pedestrian Accidents:
    • Accidents involving pedestrians, such as being hit by a car while walking or biking, can result in serious injuries and death.
  9. Poisoning:
    • Ingesting toxic substances, including household chemicals, medications, or illicit drugs, can lead to accidental poisoning.
  10. Workplace Accidents:
    • Teenagers who work in jobs with inherent risks, such as construction or manufacturing, may be at risk of fatal accidents if proper safety precautions are not followed.

It’s important to note that many of these accidents are preventable through education, awareness, and the implementation of safety measures. Parental guidance, community support, and effective communication about risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of accidents and protect teenagers.

For additional resources related to teen driving safety: