Summer is here and more teens are newly licensed and excited to be out on the roads. While Indiana ranked number 22 on a recent list of the best and worst states for teen drivers, there is room for improvement as the state came in somewhere near the middle.
Even though teenagers age 16 to 19 comprise only a small percentage of total drivers, they represent the age group with the largest risk of collisions. The age group is also responsible for the costs associated of one-third of all auto accidents.
The recent report by WalletHub analyzed each of the 50 states’ teen-driving environments and ranked the states accordingly from best to worst. Factors such as the amount of teen fatalities, the number of teen DUIs, the average cost of vehicle repairs and impaired driving laws accounted for methodology.
New York came in first and South Dakota the worst while Indiana was 22nd. Even though the state scored well for being one of 13 states to have a minimum of five out of seven graduated driver’s license provisions, it did poorly with the cost of young drivers coming in near the bottom. For safety conditions, it was 20th and 22nd for driving laws.
With Memorial Day kicking off the 100 deadliest days of summer for teenage drivers, parents have legitimate concerns about the safety of their teen children. In a new AAA study, the estimated number of accidents involving drivers ages 16 to 19 has risen by 16 percent per day during the “100 deadliest days” over the last five years. Around 60 percent of the collisions are due to teens distracted by car passengers.
Car accidents can be devastating consequences for everyone involved. In addition to physical injuries, there can be property damage, lost wages, mental stress and even fatalities. Our children are precious to us so take this time to talk to your teen driver about safe driving and how to remain distracted free on the road.
If you need to speak to an experienced auto accident attorney in South Bend, call Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak to find out how you can receive a free legal consultation with our South Bend lawyers.
Call an injury lawyer today at (574) 444-0741.
