Based on recent research by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, car accidents involving teenage drivers are substantially increasing during the summer due to teen distracted driving.
They call it "100 deadliest days" - the study found that on average 1,022 people died in accidents involving teenage drivers during the 100 days after Memorial Day.
The main reason for such an increase is because more teenagers are driving on the roads during the summer; they are traveling with friends, and having passengers in the car causes distractions.
According to their research, the following distractions are the cause of 60% of the car crashes involving teenage drivers:
- Distracted by having other passengers in the car.
- Distracted by texting, talking, or using a cell phone while driving.
- Distracted by something else inside the car instead of focusing on the road.
- Distracted by eating or drinking in the car.
- Distracted by being preoccupied and upset over a situation.
The study found that having passengers in the car and the teen being preoccupied attending the other passengers carry the highest percentage of the car accident risks. Teens tend to be much more distracted and are more likely to conduct in risky behaviors when they have passengers.
That is the reason why in most states there are new restrictions on teenagers having passengers, and most states have been requiring teenagers to go through drivers education classes or online drivers ed course to become more informed drivers.
There are many online drivers ed courses available on the net, but there is no standard on educating teens how to be a safe driver on the road.
One of the important learning subjects for teenagers should be "Defensive Driving Lessons." Defensive driving is about learning a series of skills and techniques which emphasize on being focused on the road and anticipating traffic risks based on different situations and reduce the possibility of accidents.
An online drivers ed website, DriversEducationUSA.com, offers free online drivers ed course which includes Defensive Driving Lessons. So your teen can take the entire course at no cost; however, if you require receiving a certificate, you will need to pay for the course. DriversEducationUSA.com website provides the most convenient method for your teen to take online drivers education course and learn defensive driving skills at no cost.
One of the other main reasons why there are more car accidents involving teenagers is the lack of driving experience. Obviously, teenagers do not have enough of experience behind the wheel to be good drivers. So, it makes sense for the parents to make sure that their teens have appropriate and extensive drivers education before they allow their teenagers to get behind the wheel.
The following are the other causes of car crashes amongst teenagers:
- Lack of driving experience.
- Lack of appropriate drivers education.
- Speeding or reckless driving.
- Nighttime Driving.
- Drowsy driving.
- Breaking the traffic laws.
- Driving while being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Poor weather or road conditions.
- Not wearing seat belts.