Teen Drivers

Published on: March 13, 2015

Young Adults More Likely to Suffer Serious Injuries in Accidents

It’s a fact that young adults and teenagers are at a much higher risk of accidents and injuries. Studies also indicate that this group of drivers is more likely to be injured severely in accidents.

A new study finds that young adults and teenagers are much more likely to suffer critical injuries that require them to be rushed to hospital emergency rooms after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Those findings came from a study of data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study found that there were 4 million emergency room visits after accidents in 2010-2011. In fact, auto accidents accounted for approximately 10% of all emergency room visits across the country.

Age was a common factor in most of the persons who were rushed to ERs after being involved in an accident. For every 10,000 persons rushed to ERs for treatment after an accident, 286 persons were between the age of 16 and 24. Among persons above 65, the rate was just 65 for 10,000 persons, and in the case of persons below the age of 18, the rate was 70 for every 10,000 persons.

Published on: April 7, 2014

What Parents Can Do to Prevent Their Teens from Driving Drunk

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), a teenage motorist driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% is approximately 17 times more likely be involved in an accident.This is a category of motorists that research has shown to be inexperienced, more susceptible to peer pressure, and more likely to engage in risky driving.When alcohol or other intoxicants are added to the mix, the risks of an accident significantly increase.

The CDC believes that reducing the risk of teenage drunk driving accidents should not be dependent on federal, state, and local law enforcement alone, but is also the responsibility of communities, schools and parents.Recently, another new study illustrated just how strong peer pressure can be in influencing teenagers to drink and drive.The study clearly found that when high school seniors had friends in their social circle who drove intoxicated, they were much more likely to do the same.When teenagers have friends who engage in self-destructive behaviors, those same behaviors seem cool to an impressionable young adult.

If you’re the parent of a teenage motorist, it’s also important to understand that there is no such thing as social drinking for a teenage motorist.Most teenagers who drink do so to feel buzzed.Therefore, expecting teenagers to go out, drink, and yet remain sober is unrealistic.Binge drinking is far more popular among teenagers than with any other category of motorists, and teenagers are much more likely to drink irresponsibly.

Published on: February 20, 2013

Investigations Continue into Fatal Cobb County Teen Driver Car Accident

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Investigations into a fatal accident in Cobb County that killed 2 teenagers are still being conducted.Investigators are looking at whether vehicle speed played a role in this particular accident.

The accident occurred about 10 days ago, when the driver of a Volvo lost control of his car.The car crashed into a brick sign, and exploded into flames.In the car were the 19-year-old driver and his 18-year-old passenger.Both were killed instantly.

So far, Cobb County police do not believe that alcohol or drugs were factors in this accident.However, toxicology tests will be conducted on the deceased driver.

Published on: October 31, 2008

Reckless Driving Causes Teen Deaths

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Reckless driving is the number one killer of teens and young adults.The Ad Council and a coalition of State Attorney Generals and consumer protection agencies have started a campaign against reckless driving. The UR the Spokesperson campaign is aimed at empowering young adults to speak up when they don’t feel safe in a car.

The goal of the campaign is to decrease reckless driving among teens and young adults; let teens know they are a spokesperson against reckless driving; empower teens to speak up when they are in a car and don’t feel safe; increase awareness of the dangers of reckless driving; and educate teens on safe driving.

However, whether an education campaign can successfully combat reckless driving in this age group is open for debate. A recent USA Today article outlined new research in adolescent brain research.The study revealed that adolescent brains are not yet capable of avoiding risky behaviors.

Published on: August 25, 2008

Underage Drivers Cause Fatal Accidents

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

August 25, 2008

A wreck Sunday claimed the life of the driver and his teenage passenger, and also injured three other teens.In Ellenwood, Georgia, near Cedar Grove High School on River Road, Hammam Southerland, 27, and Gregory Brown, 17, died when Southerland lost control of his vehicle, flipped twice and struck a telephone pole.Three male teenage passengers in the backseat were treated for injuries.Neighbors believe a dangerous curve in the roadway contributed to the accident.

Last month, a similar accident occurred killing fourteen-year old Mikah Blalock.Blalock was killed when the driver crashed into the telephone pole after traveling east on River Road.The driver of that vehicle was a fourteen-year old female.She was charged with vehicular homicide, failing to maintain her lane and driving without a license.Blalock was killed a week before he was to have entered high school.