It’s Florida Prom and Graduation Season – Watch Out for Teen Drivers

It’s prom and graduation season, which means more teens are out on the roads, and accidents are more likely to occur. In this post we’ll detail statistics for driving accidents that are common this time of year and tell you what to do to protect yourself.

If you are in a car accident with a negligent teen, you can file for fair and just compensation – we’ll show you how.

Teen Driving Accident Statistics for Prom and Graduation Season

Vehicle accidents claim the lives of over 3,000 teens every year, and around 250,000 more experience injuries related to vehicle crashes. That’s terrifying, but the statistics on teen driving specifically during this season may be even worse.

Consider the following facts:

• About one-third of all alcohol-related driving fatalities for teens happen between April and June.
• The fatal crash rate for accidents involving alcohol use jumps from 33 percent to 40 percent for teens on graduation night.
• The most common days of the week for teenage fatal crashes are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• The most common time of day for teenage fatal crashes is between 9:00 p.m. and midnight.
• Over 40 percent of teens in a 2014 survey said they would be more likely to use alcohol or drugs on prom night.
• Over 80 percent of teens said their friends would drive after drinking than call for a ride home, if they believed they would get in trouble with their parents for drinking.
• Over half of surveyed teens said they drink at least four alcoholic beverages on prom night.

What to Watch for With More Teens on the Road

To avoid risks, you need to know the main reasons teens get into accidents. The leading causes of teen crashes include the following:

Distracted driving – Examples include texting, using the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, having conversations, or reaching for things while taking eyes off the road. Over 40 percent of teens admit to texting while driving.

Impaired driving – Teens are 13 times more likely to die in a car crash when their blood alcohol concentration is over the legal limit of 0.08 percent as compared to driving sober.

Driver inexperience – Mistakes include failing to yield, pulling out in front of others, and rolling through stops.

Driving with teen passengers – Other teens in the car can be distracting, loud, and rowdy, and they may encourage risky behaviors.

Drowsy driving – Teens often underestimate how fatigue hampers driving ability, which is comparable to driving drunk.

Nighttime driving – Failing to drive with extra caution when visibility is low is an issue. The nighttime fatal crash rate for teen males is almost four times higher than males ages 30 to 59.

Reckless driving – Examples include speeding, tailgating, improper use of passing lanes, and weaving between lanes.

If you notice any erratic or dangerous driving behavior by a teen driver, slow down and pull over as soon as possible. Be aware of vehicles with several teens as passengers, which raises the crash risk three to five times higher than the normal rate. Take note of the license plate number and call the police to make a report.

If You Are Hit by a Negligent Florida Teen

Florida law allows you to file a lawsuit against any driver who causes serious injury above and beyond what your personal insurance policy covers. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you have the best chance at receiving the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

Losses that may be compensated include medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.

You can learn more in a free consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. He or she will assess the viability of your case and let you know what options are available to you. Schedule your appointment today.

About the Author:

Lawlor, White & Murphey in 1998. Since 1995, Mr. Lawlor’s trial advocacy and litigation skills, as well as his wide-ranging legal expertise, have provided plaintiffs and their families with a distinct advantage when seeking financial compensation and justice for injuries caused by the negligence of others. Mr. Lawlor is an EAGLE member of the Florida Bar Association and an active member of the American Association for Justice, the Broward County Justice Association, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and several professional associations.