How to Avoid Becoming a Kansas Car Accident Statistic

In recent years, Kansas car accident statistics for teens have risen. Currently, car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and in general, drivers aged 16-19 are four times more likely than other drivers to be involved in an accident. There are many factors which contribute to Kansas car accident statistics for teens

New Drivers

The risk of being in a crash is the highest during a teen's first year of driving. Statistics suggest that teens are more likely to speed and tailgate and often underestimate hazardous conditions which seasoned drivers are more apt to recognize. Before allowing their teens to take their driver's tests, parents should be sure to give their child a lot of driving experience to prepare them for solo driving. Teens should also take it show after receiving their license, becoming comfortable on the road before inviting other passengers into the car with them.

Seat Belt Use

Among all age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use, a factor which directly contributes to the number of deaths resulting from car accidents. In order to avoid becoming a teen car accident statistic teens need simply wear their seat belt and practice safe driving habits.

Risky Driving Behaviors

Young adults and teens, especially males, are more likely than older drivers to engage in high-risk driving behavior. In fact, simply having male passengers in the car is shown to increase the likelihood of risky driving behaviors among other male drivers. Statistics show that 38% of male teens killed in car accidents were speeding and 24% had been drinking and driving. To stay safe on the road, young drivers should not allow other passengers to become distracting or to pressure the driver into engaging in dangerous driving behaviors.

Drinking and Driving

Drunk driving is widely known to be a leading cause of car crashes, especially among teenage drivers. Almost one quarter of the teenage drivers who die in car accidents have a blood alcohol level over 0.08. Teens who engage in drinking and driving are also much less likely to wear their seat belts, which also contributes to the high death rate. Teenage drivers should take responsibility for themselves and their passengers by abstaining from alcohol consumption if they plan on driving or by assigning a designated driver.

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