Teenagers are some of the most high-risk drivers in California. Every year, hundreds of teenagers are injured or killed in car accidents shortly after they get their license. You might assume that most teenagers become safer drivers after they’ve gotten more driving experience. In fact, a recent study has revealed that the opposite is true.
Why are teenagers more likely to get into car accidents?
A recent study observed the driving behaviors of 42 teens who had recently gotten their driver’s licenses. Unsurprisingly, the study revealed that some teens became better drivers after having 18 months of experience under their belts. However, many teenagers didn’t become better drivers. In fact, several teens were more likely to engage in behavior that could result in a motor vehicle accident over time.
As these teens became more confident on the road, they were more likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors like texting or talking on the phone. They were also more likely to speed and engage in other risky behaviors, especially when they had friends in the vehicle. This study suggested that teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents because they become more irresponsible as they get more comfortable with the act of driving a vehicle.
The study also revealed that teens frequently look away from the road to browse social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat. Since scrolling through social media requires full attention, these teenagers could easily look away from the road for 30 seconds or more. In that time, they could go off the road, rear-end the person in front of them or get hit by another vehicle.
What can you do if you were injured in a car accident?
Some people walk away from car accidents with only a few minor injuries. But for others, a car accident can be a catastrophic event that changes their life permanently. After getting treatment for their severe injuries, they’re stuck wondering how they’re going to pay the bills and make up for all the income that they’ve lost. You may want to talk to an attorney if you’re in a similar situation.
