You can be the best and safest driver in the world, but your possibility of getting into a car accident will never be zero as long as there are irresponsible drivers on the road. Every time you drive your car on the road, you put yourself at risk of an accident. Young and inexperienced drivers are more likely to get into accidents for obvious reasons.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports, teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in a car crash than most adult drivers. However, elderly drivers are an exception since some old age factors can increase the probability of an accident. If you were injured in a car accident and had to get amputated, seek free legal consultation today.
The dangers of an inexperienced driver
- Distractions.
Teenagers are more likely to get distracted while doing an activity, and driving is something that one should do with their entire focus. With the advent of technology, smartphones, and digital devices are always glued to teenagers’ hands. Even though people realize the dangers of driving while texting or using their smartphones, they continue to do so.
Teenagers also often drive with their friends in the car, who play loud music, gossip, and do reckless activities. These factors can easily take teens’ attention and distract them.
2. Inexperience.
One of the obvious dangers of a teenage drivers is their inexperience. Many teenagers on the road do not have a license, and the ones who do are new to driving. It requires years of driving to learn and excel in driving skills. Learning to drive in defensive situations and safely escape sudden dangers on the road takes time. A driver with only theoretical knowledge but no practice will have a more challenging time navigating these dangers.
3. Less appreciation of risk.
Teenagers are, by nature, more reckless and careless than most adults. They have less appreciation of risks or injuries. Teenagers often believe they won’t get into an accident, so they get behind the wheel after drinking or doing drugs. They also engage in reckless driving behaviors like speeding and racing. Because of this, they put themselves in risky situations.
Common injuries associated with driver inexperience
Serious injuries can happen due to the negligent acts of a driver. This is because a teenager is more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol and drug. Here are some common injuries associated with driver inexperience:
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal trauma
- Lacerations
- Cracked ribs
- Burns
- Coma
- Herniated discs
- Paralysis
- Fractured or shattered bones
- Whiplash