Teen aggressive driving behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic, can greatly increase the risk of accidents for drivers of any age. However, teen drivers, due to their relative lack of experience and sometimes propensity for risk-taking behavior, may be particularly prone to engaging in aggressive driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as “an individual committing a combination of moving traffic offenses, such as driving above the speed limit and cutting off other drivers.”
If you or a loved one was injured because of an aggressive driver; you don’t need to suffer alone. Contact an experienced, local car accident attorney. The injury lawyer can review your case and discuss your legal rights to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your losses and injuries.
Teen Aggressive Driving Behaviors Increase Risk of Accidents
In 2020, about 2,800 teens were killed and about 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. While not all teen accidents involve aggressive driving, it’s certainly a contributing factor in many cases, particularly among male drivers.
A 2015 study by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD found that teens were ignoring the basic rules of the road and engaging in aggressive driving behaviors. Specifically, of the 81 percent of teens who consider aggressive driving to be dangerous, more than one-third (36 percent) admit to driving aggressively, revealing an alarming disconnect between teens’ understanding of safe driving and the actual way they behave behind the wheel. Another troubling finding revealed that 31 percent of teens say they have retaliated or experienced road rage when provoked by another driver – increasing the risk for aggressive driving accidents and endangering everyone on the road.
Unfortunately, the study also revealed that parents are largely oblivious to their teen’s aggressive driving behaviors, with only 16 percent reporting that their teens drive aggressively and 13 percent thinking their teens have retaliated when provoked on the road. Parents need to talk more with their kids about dangerous driving habits.
Speeding is a Particular Problem for Teen Drivers
According to CDC.gov, speeding, in particular, is an aggressive driving problem for teen drivers. In fact, 35 percent of male drivers and 18 percent of female drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 years who were involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were speeding at the time of the crash.
Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and to allow shorter distances between their vehicle and another, increasing the risk of rear end collisions. Drivers with male passengers are even more likely to speed and not allow enough space between vehicles.
Efforts to address teen aggressive driving behaviors often include educational programs, parental involvement in driver education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and technological solutions such as in-car monitoring systems that can provide feedback to teen drivers and their parents about driving behavior.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
