Teen Drivers Kill

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety takes an interesting look at teen driving fatalities. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, about 3,500 teens in the United States aged 15–19 were killed and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor-vehicle crashes. Young people ages 15-24 represent only 14% of the U.S. population. However, they account for 30% ($19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28% ($7 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females.

The study took a slightly different look at teen crash fatalities. When we consider all crashes involving 15- to 17-year old drivers we find that, on the average, nearly two individuals are killed for every teen driver killed. Government statistics typically quantify the number of teen drivers and their passengers who have died in motor vehicle crashes. This report investigates the number of people, other than the teen driver, who have died in crashes involving young drivers, such as teen drivers’ passengers, drivers and passengers of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

The report reveals the extent of fatalities among other road users: nearly two other individuals are killed for every teen driver killed. As teen driver deaths have declined during recent years, though, there has been a large drop in deaths of other road users. So, although teen crashes put everyone at risk, everyone stands to benefit from safety improvements that reduce teen driver crashes.

An example of this in action occurred Friday in Fayette County Tennessee when an SUV driven by a 16-year-old thrill-seeker was driving on an unfinished section of new highway around midnight when his vehicle veered into a ditch and flipped over landing on it’s roof. The deceased was another teen riding without his seat belt in the back seat.

What does one say about this situation? The questions that come to mind are; “Why did the car leave the roadway? Was the driver distracted, most probably he was. Was excessive speed part of the equation? The answer to that question will have to be answered by the accident reconstruction investigators.

Another question that comes to mind is whether any of the deceased passengers would have survived the crash had they been wearing their seatbelts. No one can answer that one, but statistics show that seat belts can, and often do, help save you and your passengers’ lives in the event of a traffic crash. The use of seat belts is required by Tennessee law.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident caused by a teen driver contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out about your rights and remedies

Teen Distraction

Please excuse me if I have been focused on teen drivers, or more specifically, teen driving fatalities lately but this time of year seems to be the beginning of the season of death for our youngsters. I have been thinking a lot lately about teen driving. I’ve discussed here many times the sad fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group.

The basic reasons behind this statistic are obvious, teen drivers have no experience with the myriad issues faced by drivers with experience, furthermore, they are immature and often takes risks, most often speeding, and are easily distracted which contribute to the increased death rate.

A recent automobile log truck accident in Northern Alabama took the lives of two 17-year-old boys. For whatever reason the teen driver ignored a stop sign and was T-boned by a fully loaded log truck with the right-of-way. The teens were wearing their seat belts but the car was badly mangled by the force of the collision. Investigators indicated that they believed that the driver was distracted by something and didn’t have his eyes on the road.

As an experienced Nashville automobile accident lawyer I have seen far too many teen deaths and I strongly encourage parents to be realistic about the skills and propensities of their children. It’s a time of excitement and dread for every parent, the time when their precious little Bobby or Betty reaches the age when they can drive. Excitement because their child is growing up and the parents can relinquish to job of being the chauffeur for their busy teens and dread because the know in their heart of hearts the dangers that teen drivers face as they take to the highways and byways.

In addition to laws, safety experts agree that parents play a key role in helping teens become good drivers. Parents should not rely solely on drivers education classes to teach good driving habits and should restrict night driving, restrict the numbers of passengers riding with their teen, supervise practice driving, always require use of seat belts and choose vehicles for safety, not image. Parents can also set a good example by practicing safe driving techniques themselves.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident caused by a teen driver contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out about your rights and remedies.

Please excuse me if I have been focused on teen drivers, or more specifically, teen driving fatalities lately but as an experienced Tennessee auto accident lawyer I am aware that this time of year seems to be the beginning of the season of death for our youngsters. I have been thinking a lot lately about teen drinking and driving. I’ve discussed here many times the sad fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group.

The basic reasons behind this statistic are obvious, teen drivers have no experience with the myriad issues faced by drivers with experience, furthermore, they are immature and often takes risks, most often speeding, and are easily distracted which contribute to the increased death rate. Couple these factors with alcohol use and the picture is way more uncomfortable.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services children become curious and some try drinking as early as 9 years old. Before age 9, children typically view drinking negatively. Between the ages of 9 and 13, they start to view alcohol more positively. Children at this age become more aware of the drinking behavior of their parents and other adults.

Conversation is often more effective before children start drinking. They often start asking questions about alcohol. The reason most children choose not to drink is because their parents talked to them about it.  When you talk to them directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol use. Children who start drinking at a young age are more likely to have problems with alcohol later in life.

Children who begin drinking before age 15 are seven times more likely to abuse alcohol or to have alcohol problems as adults. By starting a conversation about alcohol early, you can stop them from making a decision that could potentially harm their health and future. The chances that children will use alcohol increases as they get older.

Studies report that around 10% of 12-year-olds say they’ve tried alcohol, but by age 15 that number jumps to 50%. The sooner you talk to your child about alcohol, the greater chance you have of impacting his or her decisions about drinking. If you don’t talk about it, you’re saying something. What you say to your child about alcohol use is up to you. But remember, if you don’t say anything to your child about drinking, you might give the impression that underage drinking is acceptable.

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney I strongly suggest that you create your action plan. Personalize a plan for talking to your child about alcohol. Visit my web site at Phillip Miller & Associates or www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov/why-talk-early.aspx to get information about how to approach this task.

Teen Safe DRiving Programs

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney I’m thrilled when I see forward thinking public officials such as those in Fort Payne, DeKalb County Alabama, who are trying to make a difference in teen driving fatalities. These officials brought the health and wellness organization UNITE and it’s “National Arrive Alive Tour ’10”, which encourages teens to consider the possible consequences of driving under the influence and other decisions, especially around prom season.

Students were given DUI tickets on Tuesday – fortunately, they were only part of a simulation program designed to warn students of the dangers of drinking and driving.

The UNITE program utilizes a high tech simulator, impact video, and a number of other resources to educate the students about the dangers of alcohol, drunken driving, and drugs. Students took turns “driving” a stationary vehicle that uses computer technology to simulate what it’s like to drive under the influence of alcohol and were shown instructional films.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, about 3,500 teens in the United States aged 15–19 were killed and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor-vehicle crashes. Young people ages 15-24 represent only 14% of the U.S. population. However, they account for 30% ($19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28% ($7 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females.

In Tennessee we have a similar program known as “Between The Barrels”.  The Tennessee Department of Transportation, Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol and other partners are working to give teens the tools they need to become safer drivers. This Teen safe driving program has, as a goal of saving lives through education. Each year, Between the Barrels representatives and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers travel to high schools across the state and talk with teens about making smart decisions behind the wheel and what can happen if they don’t. More than 100,000 have participated in the program to date and teens themselves tell us the program is working.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident caused by a teen driver, contact the experienced Nashville car crash lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out about your rights and remedies.

As an experienced Nashville automobile accident lawyer  I often ask parents I meet at social events what the single most frightening event in their relationship with their teenagers. Tops on everyone’s list is that day when little Johnny or Janie take their newly printed drivers license and your family car and drive off into the night. That fear is well taken.

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety takes an interesting look at teen driving fatalities. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, about 3,500 teens in the United States aged 15–19 were killed and  more than 350,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor-vehicle crashes. Young people ages 15-24 represent only 14% of the U.S. population. However, they account for 30% ($19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28% ($7 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females.

That’s why the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol and other partners are working to give teens the tools they need to become safer drivers. In 2006, TDOT launched “Between the Barrels,” our first-ever teen safe driving program with a goal of saving lives through education. Each year Between the Barrels representatives and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers travel to high schools across the state and talk with teens about making smart decisions behind the wheel and what can happen if they don’t. More than 100,000 have participated in the program to date and teens themselves tell us the program is working.

The Department of Safety reports that preliminary statistics for 2009 indicate 48 teen drivers were killed on Tennessee roadways compared to 72 in 2008. Overall, 90 teenagers who were vehicle occupants were killed on Tennessee roadways in 2009 compared to 113 in 2008. During the past three years we’ve seen a 25 percent decrease in teen traffic fatalities overall.

But while these numbers are encouraging, we are still losing too many of our young people on Tennessee highways. We need to intensify our efforts with an ultimate goal of zero teen lives lost in traffic crashes. Chances are, your community has been struck by a tragic accident involving a teenage friend, classmate or family member. Tennessee parents have an excellent resource available at the website of the National Safety Council. Check out http://teendriver.nsc.org/ for helpful tips and suggested study materials.

My experience investigating and trying Tennessee teen driver accident cases tells me that it is never too early to start training your child for the day he or she gets behind the wheel and you watch them drive off into the real world.

If you or a loved is injured in a Nashville or Tennessee automobile accident caused by a teen driver contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation to learn about your rights and remedies.

Teen Driving Fatalities

As an experienced Nashville auto accident lawyer I regularly review literature and studies on highway safety. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety takes an interesting look at teen driving fatalities. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, about 3,500 teens in the United States aged 15–19 were killed and  more than 350,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor-vehicle crashes. Young people ages 15-24 represent only 14% of the U.S. population. However, they account for 30% ($19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28% ($7 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females.

The AAA study took a slightly different look at teen crash fatalities. When we consider all crashes involving 15- to 17-year old drivers we find that, on the average, nearly two individuals are killed for every teen driver killed. Government statistics typically quantify the number of teen drivers and their passengers who have died in motor vehicle crashes. This report investigates the number of people, other than the teen driver, who have died in crashes involving young drivers, such as teen drivers’ passengers, drivers and passengers of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. As teen driver deaths have declined during recent years, though, there has been a large drop in deaths of other road users. So, although teen crashes put everyone at risk, everyone stands to benefit from safety improvements that reduce teen driver crashes.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Nashville, Tennessee automobile accident caused by a teen driver you owe it to yourself and your family to contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorney’s at Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation to find out about your rights and remedies.