Texas Ranked in Top 10 States With Highest Teen Driver Fatality Rate
Prioritizing safety is crucial for young motorists.
As we approach the summer season and the subsequent surge of young drivers on the road, it’s crucial to address an alarming issue — the high rate of teen driver fatalities in Texas. In a recent ranking by Bumper.com, Texas emerged as one of the top 10 states in the U.S. with the highest teen driver fatality rates.
Particularly concerning is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a timeframe safety advocates call the “100 Deadliest Days.” In these summer months, when schools are out and teens are behind the wheel more frequently, the risk of serious and fatal car accidents escalates. However, there are other factors driving this deadly surge in teen fatalities.
Teen car accidents in Texas
According to the Bumper.com study, Texas has a rate of 6.17 fatal accidents per 10,000 licensed teen drivers, the 10th most in the nation (New Mexico has the highest teen driver fatality rate at 9.66 while Rhode Island has the lowest at 1.58). The summer months further exacerbate this issue, as 35.2% of the fatalities involving teen drivers in the Lone Star State occur during this period (June to September).
While it’s natural to attribute the rise in teenage accidents to increased summer driving due to school breaks and more leisure time, the true catalyst lies in their driving behavior. Diana Gugliotta, Senior Manager of Public Affairs for AAA Northeast, emphasizes the heightened danger when teens engage in aimless joyriding rather than driving with a specific destination and timeframe in mind.
Another critical risk factor is the number and ages of passengers accompanying the teenage driver. Gugliotta cites research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, revealing a staggering 51% increase in the fatality rate for all individuals when a teen driver has exclusively teen passengers in the vehicle. Conversely, when passengers aged 35 or above ride with a teenage driver, the overall fatality rates in crashes decrease by 8%.
Factors contributing to teen driver fatalities
Speed emerges is the most crucial factor behind fatal car accidents involving teenage drivers. According to the Bumper.com study, speed contributes to 39.3% of fatal accidents involving teen drivers, surpassing the rate of 28.7% for other age groups. Speeding is dangerous for a driver of any age, but when you combine a teen driver’s lack of experience with a smaller margin for error, it can be a recipe for disaster.
The second leading cause is driving under the influence of alcohol, accounting for 31.8% of teen driver fatalities. While this rate is comparatively lower than that of other age groups, it aligns with the limited accessibility to alcohol for drivers under 21. Nevertheless, when teenagers do choose to drive while impaired, they pose a significant danger to themselves and others on the road.
Distracted driving, which includes texting and cell phone use, stands as a distant third, contributing to 9.2% of fatal accidents involving teenage drivers. The desire to stay connected and the temptation to quickly respond to messages or notifications can be incredibly enticing for young drivers. For inexperienced teen drivers who are still developing their skills and judgment on the road, the consequences of distracted driving can be especially severe.
Safe driving tips for teens
To mitigate the risk of fatal accidents involving young drivers, teens should:
- Obey the speed limit: Speeding remains the leading cause of teen driving fatalities, making it crucial to respect and obey speed limits.
- Minimize distractions and put the phone away: Teen drivers should avoid distractions such as using cell phones or engaging in conversations that divert their attention from the road.
- Never drive under the influence: Parents can play a crucial role by offering to drive their teens home at any time if they are intoxicated or otherwise impaired.
Car accident lawyers serving Houston, TX
With summer nearly here, prioritizing accident prevention becomes crucial for both young drivers and motorists of all ages. Equally important is ensuring that drivers and passengers injured in car accidents know their legal rights. If you were injured or a loved one died due to a car accident caused by a young driver — or if you’re the parent of a teen driver injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault — seeking assistance from an experienced car accident attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. To see how our law firm can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.