We recently wrote about a new report from the Centers for Disease Control that ranked the top 10 cities in the country by the rates of young people dying in car accidents. Nashville, sadly, was ranked number three on that list. We wanted to know why, and found the following accident factors for young drivers:
- Alcohol. Young drivers (between the ages of 21 and 24) accounted for 35 percent of all car accident fatalities in which drivers have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit of .08 percent. In the past two years, this age group has been responsible for the largest percentage of drunk driving accidents.
- Seatbelts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that of all 15-20 year olds in fatal car accidents in 2009, only 58 percent were using seatbelts.
- Distractions. Today’s teenagers face many distractions on the road, such as cell phones and other electronic devices, not to mention rowdy friends. NHTSA says that 11 percent of drivers under age 20 involved in fatal car accidents were distracted at the time.
- Risks. Laurie Beck of the CDC says that young drivers are more likely to take risks on the road, such as speeding or cutting in front of another vehicle. This type of behavior can lead to fatal consequences.
Children are our most precious resource, and as parents we must do everything we can to keep them safe behind the wheel during these at-risk years. We will discuss some solutions in our next post.
If you lost a child in a car accident, please talk to us. The phone call or visit is free, and we might be able to help in this difficult time.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
The Law Office of Stanley A. Davis – Nashville car accident lawyer