Five Factors That May Increase Odds of Fatal Teen Car Accidents In Portland

Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for every teen. While it provides them with a greater sense of independence, worrying about their safety causes their parents to lose sleep. Teen car accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence. In addition to endangering their own lives, car crashes caused by teen drivers put others on the road at risk. Traffic safety officials have identified five factors that increase the odds that this type of collision will occur.   

Fatal Teen Car Accident In Portland: Know The Risks

Police are continuing to investigate the causes of a recent car accident involving an Oregon City teen driver. According to a January 29, 2020 KOIN News report, the crash happened on a Wednesday morning in the Beavercreek area, on Henrici Road near South Athens Drive. A 16-year-old boy was driving a Volkswagen Sedan when it went off the road and crashed into a tree. While no other motorists were involved, the young man died at the scene.  

Teen car accidents are unfortunately common in Portland and across the state. An American Automobile Association (AAA) study showed that as many as 40 fatal car accidents involving teen drivers happen in Oregon each year. While teen drivers and their passengers bear the brunt of the harm, nearly one-third of victims are other motorists. 

Factors That Make Teen Car Accidents More Likely

Parents have a valid reason to be concerned about their teen’s driving safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that car accidents are a leading cause of death among young people under the age of 19. As other drivers can also be impacted by these crashes, it is important to be aware of the risks. 

The CDC claims there are five specific issues that factor into teen car accidents and that make them more likely to happen and more severe:

1. Driver inexperience: Teens lack the experience and maturity of older drivers. As a result, they may not respond appropriately to unexpected events or sudden changes in traffic, weather, or road conditions. 

2. Speeding: Going over the speed limit and driving too fast for conditions are among the leading causes of car accidents involving teens. This also increases the severity of injuries suffered. 

3. Driving on nights and weekends: In general, car accidents are more likely to occur at night and on weekends. These are the times teen drivers are most frequently on the road. 

4. Driving impaired: Teens are more likely to show bad judgment and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

5. Not wearing a seatbelt: Teens are more likely to not wearing a seatbelt, which more than doubles their risk for fatal car accident injuries. 

Let Us Help You Today

When car accidents happen, the Johnston Law Firm, P.C. provides the compassionate, trusted legal guidance victims and their families need in filing a claim.  To schedule a consultation, reach out and call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland car accident attorneys online today.