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Teen Drivers’ Impact on Car Accidents in Virginia – Alarming Statistics

Anxiety, worry, apprehension - words can't even begin to describe a parent's emotions when their teen driver sits behind the wheel of a car unsupervised for the first time. Will my child be safe driving alone on the roads in Virginia? What if other drivers on the road are speeding, drunk, or driving recklessly? Will my child be hurt in a car accident this evening? Unfortunately, these concerns are very real, and statistics show that inexperienced teenage drivers are a danger to themselves and others on the road.

Even though teens are required to log 45 hours of supervised driving time in Virginia before earning their license, car accidents are among the leading cause of death among teenagers. In 2010, there were 35 teen driver deaths from motor vehicle accidents and another 4,118 teen driver injuries in the state of Virginia.

Factors Linking Teen Drivers to High Rate of Car Crashes:

• Risky Behaviors: Speeding, driving while intoxicated, and/or driving while under the influence of drugs
• Distractions: Talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, or even others in the car diverting the driver's attention
• Seatbelts: Teens have the lowest rate of seatbelt use.
• Sleep Deprivation: Studies have shown that teenage drivers who are fatigued are more likely to be involved in a collision.

Each of these factors can be accounted for by a teenage driver's general inexperience behind the wheel and lack of understanding of how dangerous driving can be. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has developed a list of guidelines to help decrease the number of teen driver accidents. This list includes:

• Wearing a seatbelt
• Getting enough sleep
• Leaving the recklessness behind
• Putting away the phone
• Shutting out distractions

The physical and emotional impact of being involved in a motor vehicle collision, particularly with a teen driver, is frightening and overwhelming. Michael Weisberg, an experienced Virginia car accident attorney, has been representing clients for more than forty years in the Tidewater area, including greater Norfolk and Portsmouth. Contact Michael Weisberg at (757) 622-7740 or toll-free at (800) 690-0235 with your questions. Also, request a copy of his free book: What You Need to Know about Getting a Fair and Reasonable Settlement . You may also send an e-mail to info@weislaw.com. A caring and compassionate Virginia car accident lawyer is ready to speak with you.

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