It is no secret that teen drivers have a greater risk of being involved in a car accident than other drivers. Most obviously, they are inexperienced drivers who haven’t yet acquired useful driving knowledge that others have. However, teens also tend to be a bit reckless behind the wheel. Excited about the freedom that a new driver’s license can bring, some teens forget about the importance of driving safely.
Unfortunately, car accident statistics in Ohio reflect these notions. From 2010 to 2012, teenage drivers were responsible for 10 percent of crashes that resulted in death. In the same time period, Ohio’s teen drivers caused 100,871 accidents. In those crashes, more than 44,400 people were injured. So what, exactly, is the cause of these accidents?
There are many factors that can play a role in a car accident, but police cited speeding as a factor in 57 percent of the crashes involving teens.
In an effort to help teen drivers understand the importance of being safe behind the wheel, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is doing its best to crack down on teens who violate traffic laws. Officers said the most common traffic violations among teens have been speeding and failing to wear a seat belt.
Although driving safely is ultimately up to the person behind the wheel, parents in Ohio can play a role in making sure their teens understand the potential consequences of unsafe driving. Whether a parent chooses to make rules for driving or simply help inform their teen about the crash statistics we discussed today, it can help make Ohio roads a little safer.
Source: Fox 19, “Teen drivers remain one of Ohio’s most at risk groups,” Oct. 21, 2013