A new study released this week showed that new teen drivers were three times more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal crash.
The study, released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety compared drivers aged 16 to 17 years old to those 18 years old and older.
In addition, the study found that crashes involving teenagers had increased 10 percent and could continue to rise.
The report was released at the beginning of what is referred to as the “100 deadliest days,” the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the average number of deadly crashes involving teen drivers climb 15 percent.
Researchers at AAA found that although many factors contribute to the rise in deadly crashes, three play the biggest factor: distraction, lack of seatbelt use and speeding.
Distraction played a factor in nearly 6 of 10 teen crashes. Although this is often distraction from cell phones, other causes of distraction like friends in the vehicle, eating and doing makeup also play a role.
Teen drivers and their riders were less likely to wear a seat belt. In 2015, 60 percent of teen drivers killed in a crash were not wearing any seatbelt.
Speeding played a role in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in any motor vehicle accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Portland personal injury attorney. Call today for your free, initial consultation.
