Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers: Teen Driving Fatalities

According to new data from federal regulators, the number of teen driving fatalities increased by 10 percent last year. This is the first time in over a decade that there has been a rise in fatal car crashes among teens. There are plenty of adults who admit to speeding or talking on the phone while driving, so what makes teens more dangerous behind the wheel? In most cases, it is not one single behavior, but a combination of factors that can have such deadly results.

Distracted Driving, Speeding Contribute to Teen Driver Crashes in Maryland

As with anything, the more you practice, the better you are at it. The same goes for driving. Teens have limited experience behind the wheel, and when you combine that with other poor driving decisions like speeding and texting, the consequences can be devastating. In fact, teens are over one-and-a-half times more likely to be involved in a fatal wreck than adults.

The new data shows that speeding is one of the most common driving mistakes that teens make. Out of approximately 14,000 fatal crashes that involved teen drivers over the past five years, over 4,200 involved drivers who were speeding. Another common driving mistake teens make involves distracted driving, which includes texting and talking on the phone, using social media like Snapchat and Instagram, changing the radio station, or talking to another passenger in the car.

According to an American Automobile Association (AAA) survey, parents who are guilty of bad driving habits, such as speeding, talking on the phone, or texting, are encouraging their children to pick up the same bad habits. The survey showed that 65 percent of driving instructors think that parents today are worse at teaching their children to drive than they were 10 years ago. When parents model responsible driving behavior, and have clear, strict rules for their children, their teen drivers are less likely to be in a serious or fatal crash in Maryland.

Research shows that close to one third of all teens do not obtain their driver’s license until the age of 18 or older, which means they are not subject to the graduated licensing laws that younger teen drivers must obey. This program typically has three stages of licensing, exposing the driver to more difficult driving experiences over a longer period of time. Officials believe these laws are responsible for a 30 percent reduction in the risk of teen crashes.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Victims of Car Crashes in Maryland

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident involving a teen driver, the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are here to help. Our experienced, dedicated team will thoroughly investigate the details of your case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Protecting your rights is our top priority. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent victims of medical malpractice throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.