It is well known that teen drivers are often riskier drivers. According to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, however, teen drivers may be more dangerous than we realize. This is based on the study’s finding that teen drivers were responsible for nearly 3,000 deaths in 2013.

Here are some additional points about the study:

• In 2013, 2,927 people were killed in accidents involving teen drivers ages 15 to 19. Teen driver accidents also injured over 371,000 victims.
• The study also noted that 66% of people killed in teen driver accidents were people other than the driver. 67% of those injured were people other than the teen driver.
• Nearly half of all victims injured in teen driver accidents were in another vehicle, and just 17% were passengers in the teen’s vehicle. An additional 2% were not in a vehicle (this includes bicyclists and pedestrians).
• Researchers found that the summer months saw the most teen driver auto accidents. In fact, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, researchers noted a 43% increase in teen driver and passenger deaths during summer months when compared to the rest of the year.

The AAA study confirms what many safety experts have long been saying - teen driver crash rates are higher than any other age group. This is often the result of inexperience and maturity, but also because teens are often more inclined to text, use cell phones, be distracted behind the wheel. As such, Texas prohibits novice drivers from using cell phones and texting while driving.

At The Daspit Law Firm, we investigate all aspects of auto accidents to determine whether they could have been prevented. In cases involving teen drivers, for example, we explore distraction and other common behaviors associated with teen drivers as possible causes. Regardless of the circumstances, our efforts are always focused on helping injured victims and families secure the compensation they deserve.

For more information about your rights after a car accident and whether you may be able to file a personal injury claim, contact The Daspit Law Firm for a FREE consultation.