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100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

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What makes the summer time more dangerous for teen drivers?

teen driving accident st. louis

Car accidents are an everyday occurrence on Missouri roads. Thousands of people are injured and many others are killed every year. Of all drivers, teen drivers are believed to be at the highest risk of car accidents because of their inexperience and recklessness. Teen drivers are more prone to making poor driving decisions, often leading to car accidents.

The AAA Foundation conducted a study of police-reported teen driver accidents over a period of 10 years. The study revealed that during the summer of 2012, close to 1,000 people were killed in accidents involving teen drivers. Surprisingly, around two-thirds of the victims who were killed in the accidents involving teen drivers were not the teens.

A Dangerous Time of Year for Teen Drivers

Although an accident involving a teen driver can occur anywhere and at any time, some days are known to be more dangerous than others as far as teen accidents are concerned. During 2013, there was a 43 percent increase in teen driving accidents in the summer compared to other times of the year. The time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day seems to the deadliest for teen drivers.

What makes summer more dangerous for teen drivers? In summer, teenagers tend to drive more for recreational purposes than just back and forth to school. In addition, they are more likely to be driving with teen passengers and this means the risk of an accident increases further, because passengers can be a serious distraction for a young driver. Teen drivers also tend to speed or take risks just to impress their passengers. Teen passengers are also known to ride without a seatbelt when they are riding with their peers. All of these distracted behaviors increase the risk of a car accident, making summer the most dangerous time of the year for teen drivers.

The Role of Parents

Parents can play a huge role in training their kids to be safer drivers, reminding them of safe driving practices. Keep reminding them to put their cell phones away while driving. The best way to teach safe driving habits is by being a good role model. Make sure you wear a seatbelt, put away your cell phone, and obey all traffic rules when driving.

Injured by Negligent Driver?

If you have been injured in a car crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, pursue a claim for damages from the at-fault driver. Consult with a St. Louis car accident attorney to discuss your case. Call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.

3 Types of Distracted Driving

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Distracted driving has been an issue on Missouri roadways for decades, long before smartphones became popular.

distracted driving st louis car accident

With the rise in the popularity of smartphones and text messaging, distracted driving car accidents are often talked about in the news. Yet distracted driving has been an issue on Missouri roadways for decades, long before we ever imagined having a phone that was so smart. If you have been hurt in a car crash because the other driver was simply not paying attention, a St. Louis car accident attorney can help you build a case for distracted driving.

Forms of Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is defined as anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from navigating his or her vehicle and responding to a critical event. There are three different types of distracted driving:

  • Visual distraction – The driver’s eyes are taken off of the road.
  • Cognitive distraction – The driver’s attention is not on the road.
  • Manual distraction – The hands of the driver are not on the wheel of the vehicle while it is in motion.

If you think about distractions such as texting while driving, this involves all three of the defined forms. Most significant distractions do involve more than just one of the categories listed above. Experts look at the distraction safety problem from two different vantages. One is the actual amount of attention demanded by the task and the other is with the frequency it is performed. Again, text messaging is most dangerous, as it involves all of the types of distractions and is typically engaged in multiple times in order to finish a conversation.

The Cause of a Distracted Driver Car Accident

Text messaging has become one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents in Missouri and across the nation, but it is certainly not the only one. Electronic devices, in general, are on the rise as well, giving a driver ample gadgets to divert their attention while they should be focused on the road. GPS systems, iPods, and even the basic car stereo are still causing drivers to take their eyes off of the road, potentially leading to a car accident.

How a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney Can Help

An accident investigation at the scene is not always enough to pinpoint the cause. A St. Louis automobile accident attorney can conduct their own private investigation into an accident, often uncovering information not found in the police report. Proof that the other driver was fiddling with a device while driving will help strengthen your car accident claim.

Distracted driving car accidents have been steadily rising over the last ten years, as we are becoming more reliant on our electronic devices during the day. In order to avoid being hurt or causing harm to another, it is best to put electronic devices to the side or set them on autopilot whenever you are behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer St Louis

If you have been injured in a distracted driver car crash, speak with a St. Louis auto accident attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. as soon as possible. We can assist you in proving the cause of the accident and receiving compensation for your injuries and other financial damages. Call us at (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.