Road accidents are one of the leading causes of death among young people. Statistically, drivers aged between 16 and 19 years old are three times more likely to lose their lives in collisions than drivers aged over 20. The vast majority of car crashes can be prevented. In this guide, we’ll identify the main risks for young drivers and offer advice to help you stay safe on the roads.
Why are younger drivers at risk?
The main reason why young drivers have a higher risk of crashing than older drivers is a lack of experience. Experience on the roads teaches you to be aware of other vehicles and road users, to adapt to different conditions and environments and to spot and respond to hazards more effectively. Young drivers who have recently secured their licenses are more likely to be involved in accidents because they don’t have in-depth knowledge of the roads and they haven’t honed their skills in identifying potential dangers and hazards. Judgment is another key factor. Young people are more likely to take risks than older drivers. This means they may drive too fast, drive under the influence of alcohol or attempt dangerous overtaking maneuvers. As well as learning to read the road, experience also enables drivers to develop better skills when it comes to maintaining control of their vehicles.
The most common causes of car crashes among young drivers
CDC figures show that over 2,300 young people were killed in car crashes in 2019 alone. More than 257,000 teens were treated in hospital for injuries. Male drivers and those who have recently gotten their license are most at risk. Other hazards include nighttime driving and not wearing a seatbelt. The most common causes of car crashes include:
Speeding
Driving too fast is dangerous because it puts drivers at risk of losing control of the vehicle and it increases the power of impact between a car and a person, surface or object. Crashing at 70mph, for example, usually causes much more severe injuries than crashing at 30mph. Speed restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of accidents and severe, life-threatening injuries. If you exceed the speed limit, this is a driving offense and you could be held liable if you cause an accident and the other road user wants to seek advice from a car accident lawyer. Pay attention to speed restrictions and warning signs and reduce your speed if there is a lot of traffic on the roads or the conditions are poor. If the road is wet or icy, you’ll need to increase your stopping distance. If it’s foggy and visibility is poor, slow down and use your lights.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents among young drivers. Young people have grown up with phones and tablets and they’re used to being in contact with people 24/7. This means that many young drivers will use their phones while they’re driving. If you’re sending messages or checking emails while you’re on the road, there’s a high risk of losing control of your car or failing to spot a hazard. You might not be able to stop in time if the car in front brakes suddenly, or you may not notice a cyclist or a pedestrian appear suddenly in front of your car. Always keep your eyes on the road ahead and avoid using your phone. If you need to send a message, pull over in a safe place or use voice command technology.
Alcohol
Studies suggest that teenage drivers have a much higher risk of crashing if they have alcohol in their systems. Statistically, teens are more likely to crash than older drivers with the same blood alcohol level. Drinking alcohol is illegal for young drivers and it puts all road users at risk. When you consume alcohol, it affects your reaction times and the decisions you make. You might feel drowsy and less alert, you’ll struggle to respond to hazards quickly, and you may take risks you wouldn’t even consider if you hadn’t been drinking.
How to lower crash risks
Prevention is always better than cure. It’s not possible to prevent every accident that involves a young driver, but there are ways to make the roads safer and lower risks. The first step for drivers is to gain as much experience as possible by practicing with older, more experienced adults and getting used to different conditions and settings. Always ensure that your seatbelt is fastened and make sure everybody else in the car has their belt on. Understand the rules of the road and the dangers that exist when you get behind the wheel. Keep your eyes fixed firmly on the road at all times, use your mirrors and be aware of other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Drive to the conditions. If it’s raining heavily, the road is icy, or visibility is poor, slow down and give other vehicles time and space. Try to avoid rushing and be patient with other drivers. Listen to warnings and avoid driving if extreme weather is forecast. If you feel tired, delay your journey or stop in a safe place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Never drive with alcohol or drugs in your system.
Statistics show that young drivers are much more likely to cause crashes than older, more experienced drivers. The most common causes of collisions among teen drivers include speeding, distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Injuries are also more common because young people are less likely to wear a seatbelt. If you’re a driver, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks and your responsibilities. When you use the roads, you should take responsibility for your safety and that of everyone around you. Pay attention to speed restrictions, don’t drink alcohol, focus on the road at all times and take extra care when it’s dark or the weather is unpredictable. Driving carefully can save lives and help you gain experience and confidence.