Auto Accidents by Age Group: Dangers for Young and Old Drivers
The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau are pleased to serve people in and around the Daytona Beach area. Their legal expertise is especially important following auto accidents that result in serious or fatal injuries.
With this in mind, we'd like to take a moment to consider the relationship between age and auto accidents right now.
Age Makes a Difference When It Comes to Driving
As you may have expected, the younger a driver is, the more likely he or she will be involved in a car accident. This goes for minor fender benders, injury collisions, and even fatal collisions. Much of this has to do with on-the-road experience. As people get older, they are generally better able to drive and handle situations on the road that may prove unfamiliar.
Teenage Drivers at Greater Risk of Accidents and Crashes
Studies have found that drivers between 16 and 19 years of age are four times more likely to get into some form of auto collision. Roughly 400,000 teenage drivers are injured in car accidents every year; approximately 5,000 drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 are killed annually in auto accidents.
For some perspective, keep in mind that teenagers make up about 10% of the total population of the United States, but they typically comprise around 12% of fatal accident victims every year.
Typically the at-risk age group for young drivers is between 15 and 24 years of age.
Why is the risk of collision so high for teenage drivers?
In addition to driver inexperience, there are matters of recklessness to consider. Younger drivers are more prone to speeding, taking unnecessary risks, and drunk driving than motorists of other age groups. Teens and young motorists are also more likely to text while behind the wheel, which is one of the most dangerous things that a person can do while driving. If you take your eyes off the road for five seconds at highways speeds, you are effectively traveling the length of a football field with your eyes off the road.
What Parents Can Do to Ensure Safety of a Teenage Driver
Parents should tell their teenage sons and daughters to drive safely and abide by all rules of the road. Stressing safety and responsibility is extremely important. If your child doesn't abide by the rules of the road or demonstrates a potential danger as a driver, it's of the utmost importance that you put your foot down and exercise discipline. Punishing your child for not being safe is tough love and a great show of concern.
The Elderly at Significant Risk of Serious and Fatal Injuries
Even though elderly drivers are safer than other motorists on the road, they are actually more vulnerable to serious injuries and even fatal injuries if they are involved in collisions. In fact, drivers older than 65 are the second most likely age group to die in an auto accident.
The reason for this is the natural frailty that occurs as a person reaches advanced age. The elderly are much more susceptible to serious injuries, even with minor fender benders since their bones are more brittle and bodies weaker.
What Elderly Motorists Can Do to Remain Safe on the Road
Elderly motorists should continue to drive carefully, and they should be especially careful about weather and road conditions that may make accidents more likely. In addition, elderly motorists should undergo regular physicals and have their vehicles maintenanced/serviced regularly to ensure that there are no major issues that may contribute to an accident occurring.
Contact the Lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau
If you or someone that you love has been involved in an auto accident, it's important that you contact the attorneys at our personal injury law firm today. The lawyers here at Chanfrau & Chanfrau will work closely with you to help ensure a successful resolution to your case.