AAA Study Pinpoints Teen Drivers’ Worst Mistakes

In the last five years, teen drivers were involved in 14,000 fatal traffic accidents, and according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, crashes continue to be the number one cause of death for 16 to 19-year-olds.

There have been 29 traffic deaths due to traffic accidents in New Jersey this year that involved a driver or passenger under the age of 21.

In an effort to bring awareness to the causes of these accidents, a new survey from AAA has identified teens’ deadliest mistakes while behind the wheel.

According to responses from 142 driving instructors, teens most often make these three mistakes when they first start driving:

• Speeding by traveling over the posted speed limited or at a rate that is too fast for road conditions.
• Distracted driving, including using a cellphone, engaging with passengers or looking at objects in the vehicle.
• Poor visual scanning by driving with tunnel vision and not looking out for hazards in the road.

Survey results also indicate that parents are worse at preparing teen drivers for the road than they were a decade ago. AAA notes that parents should not only be involved in teaching teens to drive, but they should also lead by example and not engage in dangerous behaviors while behind the wheel.

According to a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, 77 percent of drivers age 35 to 55 admit to talking on the phone while behind the wheel. Additionally, 46 percent of adults ages 35 to 55 report driving 15 mph over the speed limit.

Most teens learn about driving from their parents long before they are of-age to drive. Because of this, they pick up their parents’ bad habits as well.

AAA notes that parent involvement helps teach teen’s important road skills and reduce accident rates. The group recommends that parents talk with their teens about driving and spend time practicing driving with them under various road conditions.

When dangerous driving habits lead to an accident, victims may be entitled to compensation. Contact our team of experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers today to find out if you have a legal claim. Your initial consultation is free and we charge no upfront fees when we handle your lawsuit.

Call (800) 518-0508 today.