Teen drivers have the highest fatal accident rate

When it comes to motor vehicle accidents resulting in wrongful death, certain age groups pose different levels of risk. Specifically, crash rates are highest for young drivers between the ages of 16 and 19. Most people can’t even get a driver’s license until they turn 16, so these individuals may only have been driving for weeks, months, or at most, a few years.

This general trend also applies to the fatal crash rate. When you look at the number of fatal accidents per mile driven, you’ll find that the fatality rate for teens is roughly three times higher than it is for those in their 20s. There’s a sharp decline in the fatal accident rate as drivers grow older.

Why does this happen?

There are many reasons why this happens, but the primary one is simply a lack of experience. A lot of serious car accidents involving young people stem from their limited time on the road. It takes time to put in enough hours behind the wheel to develop safer driving habits. Someone who is 20 may have been driving for four years, making them a much safer and more knowledgeable driver than they were at 16, when they only had a driver’s license for a few weeks.

It’s also worth noting that human brain development isn’t complete during the teenage years, even if someone is 18 and legally an adult. The prefrontal cortex, which helps with decision-making abilities, doesn’t finish developing until around 25 years old. As a result, older drivers are generally better at making safe decisions and avoiding hazardous or impulsive activities.

Seeking compensation

Have you lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another driver? If so, be sure you know what legal options you have to start a wrongful death case.