Speeding, alcohol, and distracted driving are often factors in deadly teen accidents.
The "100 Deadliest Days of Summer" is an annual period of increased fatal car accidents involving teenagers nationwide. In Texas, the situation is especially dangerous - the state has one of the highest teen fatal crash rates in the U.S.
According to data compiled by Bumper.com, Texas has the 10th highest fatal teen driver crash rate in the U.S., with 6.17 deaths per 10,000 licensed teen drivers. Driver immaturity and a disregard for traffic safety laws are among the top contributing factors in these accidents. Speeding is frequently involved. Some of Texas' fatal accidents may have been avoided, or perhaps, the severity may have been reduced by good driving habits.
Everyone has a role to play in reducing teen crashes. Parents can talk to their children about safe driving, teens can commit to practicing safe driving, and all drivers have the power to set a good example behind the wheel. The Herrera Law Firm believes education and awareness can help prevent car accidents. Here's what you need to know about teen crashes in Texas.
Teen driving statistics
In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a resurgence in traffic crashes. This reversed the long-standing trend of declining youth fatal car accident deaths. Fatal crashes are up by 9% compared to pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, more than 400 people age 19 or younger died in Texas fatal car accidents - at least 285 were teens between the ages of 15 and 19, according to state data.
Here are more alarming teen driving statistics:
- After speeding, alcohol and distracted driving are two of the most common contributing factors in fatal teen accidents.
- Although deadly accidents involving teen drivers increase in the summer, Texas is among the states that have the smallest increase during the 100 Deadliest Days (Memorial Day through Labor Day). About 35% of deadly teen accidents in Texas occur during June, July, and August.
- Per miles driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely to be in fatal accidents than drivers ages 20 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- About 60% of 16- to 20-year-old fatal accident victims were unbuckled at the time of the crash.
Recent fatal accidents involving Texas teens
A string of fatal crashes involving teens and other young drivers have devastated many Texas communities this year. Most crashes have three things in common: 1. They were single-vehicle accidents. 2. An occupant was ejected. 3. Speeding was a suspected crash factor. Here are just two examples of recent nearby fatal crashes involving teens:
- A 15-year-old was killed in an early morning April car accident when the vehicle he was riding in crashed into a concrete barrier rounding a curve on Culebra Commons in San Antonio. The boy was ejected from the vehicle. Police said speed appeared to be a factor in the deadly single-vehicle accident.
- In March, a Hays County 16-year-old died in a crash trying to avoid a collision with another car that drove into his lane for an unknown reason, according to Texas Troopers. The accident happened on McGregor Lane near Martin Road after 9 p.m. The victim in the fatal crash swerved off the road to miss the on-coming vehicle, and a branch went into the windshield, hitting him.
Safe driving tips for teens
To stay safe during the 100 Deadliest Days - and throughout the year - AAA recommends parents talk to their teenagers about safe driving and the consequences of speeding, drunk driving, and texting while behind the wheel. Remind them to:
- Always buckle up.
- Never drive impaired.
- Put their phone or other devices away and focus on the task of driving.
- Follow posted speed limits.
Legal help for crash victims
The Herrera Law Firm has been helping crash victims in Texas since the 1980s. We have seen the rise in teen accidents and the devastating impact the deaths have on families as well as the larger community. That's why we are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation crash victims deserve.
If you were injured in a car accident involving a teen driver, schedule a free case evaluation with our law firm. At no cost to you, a member of our team can listen to the details of your accident, answer your questions, and help you decide what to do next. We are available to hear from you anytime, day or night. Contact us today.
