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ChatRhode Island Gets Good Grades For Teen Driving Conditions; Inexperienced Drivers Still an Issue
During summer months, with longer daylight periods, we tend to see greater numbers of teens driving on the nation’s roads and highways. How do states rank when it comes to the “teen-driving environment?” Are conditions in some states better than others? According to WalletHub, which collected and analyzed data related to 16 key metrics, some states indeed fare much better than others. Rhode Island gets good scores in the WalletHub matrix. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean Rhode Island teens aren’t involved in far too many vehicle crashes.
Rhode Islanders Seem Sincere in Promoting Safety Among Teen Drivers
Not known for driver statistics, but for credit reports and rankings on a number of financial and social subjects, WalletHub pulled data from a number of sources, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety. WalletHub weighted 16 factors, including core safety conditions, state teen driving laws, and the overall economic environment in each state, with the potential to add up to a perfect score of 100. New York received the highest score (74.97), while Rhode Island received a very respectable 63.68 – which is better than 41 states. Massachusetts also did well, scoring a 6th place finish. Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York were among the 13 states cited as having the best graduated driver licensing laws in the nation.
Motor Vehicle Crashes Are Leading Cause of Death Among Teens
Unfortunately, even in states with relatively good safety records, teen driving is dangerous. According to information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six teens aged 16-19 are killed each day in motor vehicle crashes. Experts agree the primary cause of such teen deaths is driver inexperience.
Parents Can Make a Significant Difference in Teen Driver’s Safety
Parents should be aware of the factors that lead to teen vehicle deaths and serious injuries. They include:
- Driver inexperience
- Driving with teen passengers
- Nighttime driving
- Failure to use seat belts
- Distracted Driving
- Drowsy Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Impaired Driving
The CDC suggests having regular conversations with teens about safety. It cautions that teens pick up bad driving habits from watching parents. It also suggests a simple, Parent-Teen Driving Agreement, within which the parents can indicate the rules that they expect the teen to follow in operating any motor vehicle.
Victims of Vehicle Crashes May Recover Damages
As all too many know from sad experiences, lives can be lost or changed forever in a split second, due to a motor vehicle crash. Victims of accidents can face huge medical costs, lost time from work, as well as pain and suffering. In many cases, motor vehicle crash victims may recover money damages. In most instances, however, the crash victim needs the assistance of a highly skilled attorney.
The injury lawyers at the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC have not only the skill and experience to represent victims of motor vehicle crashes, they also have the resources to investigate the accident and fight to protect your legal rights. Get the sort of representation that you deserve. We will pursue your case at no cost until we win. Remember that delay can harm your case. Our experienced legal team is available 24/7 for a free consultation. Give us a call at 866-529-9700, or complete our convenient online contact form.