Drivers cause fatal accidents that take roughly 40,000 lives every year in the United States. In recent years, these numbers have actually been going up. These accidents are caused by drivers of every age group. Human error is the main reason for accidents, after all, and anyone can make a mistake or act negligently behind the wheel.
That being said, the statistics do show that the age group that causes the most fatal accidents is drivers who have recently gotten their licenses. These are teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19. Those in their early 20s still have high fatal accident rates, but they are decidedly lower than their teenage counterparts.
Why are the early years so dangerous?
Federal statistics make it very clear that there’s a correlation between the early years of driving and the odds that someone will cause a catastrophic or fatal accident. The biggest problem is just that teenagers are trying to gain experience as drivers. Experience will make them safer and more proficient. This is the same as it is for any other skill, from playing the guitar to going rock climbing. More practice will always make someone better and lower the odds of a mistake. There is no substitute for experience.
Unfortunately, teen drivers are getting this experience at the cost of thousands of lives every year. Their mistakes have major ramifications. But even if the driving age was increased, something people have proposed in the past, that wouldn’t necessarily fix the problem. Teenagers themselves are not the problem, just their inexperience. An inexperienced driver who is 20 years old may cause just as many accidents as a 16-year-old.
What options do you have?
Have you lost a loved one in an accident caused by a negligent driver, or have you suffered major injuries yourself as a result of another’s conduct? If so, it’s very important for you to understand exactly what legal options you have so that you can seek the compensation you deserve. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can provide you with the clarity you’ll need to make informed decisions.