What's causing the spike in Pennsylvania's teen driver fatality rate?
After enduring the long winter months, summer brings a sense of freedom and excitement for teenagers eager to hit the road and enjoy the outdoors. However, this time of year can be especially hazardous for young drivers. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, also known as the 100 Deadliest Days, a staggering 30% of car accident fatalities involving teen drivers occur. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is in a problematic position.
According to data published by Bumper.com, Pennsylvania holds the 10th highest rate of teen fatalities during the summer months in the nation. These devastating losses cut short the lives of young individuals and leave grieving families to cope with unimaginable pain and loss.
Common factors contributing to teen driver accidents
Several factors contribute to the heightened risks faced by young drivers during the summer months, including:
- Distracted driving: Teenagers are particularly susceptible to distractions due to their strong attachment to phones and technology. When they engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or using social media while driving, their focus shifts away from the road and the task of driving. Consequently, their reaction times become slower, making it difficult for them to anticipate and respond to potential dangers. These distractions significantly increase the likelihood of fatal accidents.
- Impaired driving: Curiosity or peer pressure may lead teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol. However, once they get behind the wheel under the influence, they jeopardize their lives and the lives of others. Drugs and alcohol impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, severely compromising any driver's ability to control a vehicle.
- Speeding: With limited driving experience, teenagers often disregard speed limits and engage in reckless speeding. Speeding reduces the available time to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of collisions, raising the probability of severe and fatal injuries in a crash.
- Not wearing seatbelts: Many teenagers underestimate or overlook the importance of wearing seatbelts. However, failing to wear seatbelts significantly increases the risk of severe injuries or even fatalities in the event of a crash. Neglecting this crucial safety measure heightens the chances of being ejected from the vehicle during a collision, which is almost always fatal for the victim.
Crash victims should know their potential legal options
Has your life been upended by a car accident involving a teen driver? At Romanow Law Group, our dedicated team of Pittsburgh car accident lawyers is ready to stand by your side and help you seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve. When you choose us, we commit ourselves fully to your case, tirelessly fighting for your rights and aggressively advocating for your best interests. To see how an experienced car accident attorney can help you, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Our office is conveniently located in Pittsburgh, PA, and we look forward to hearing from you.