Brampton personal injury lawyers are consulted by people who have been injured in accidents involving teenage drivers.
The recent single-vehicle collision in Northwestern Ontario resulted in the death of the sixteen year old driver while the eighteen year old passenger in the vehicle was hospitalized. Such incidents bring into sharp focus an increasingly alarming issue of teenagers being involved in motor vehicle accidents.
Accidents are not always accidental – they are caused by someone’s fault or negligence, and sometimes by an intentional flouting of safety rules for various reasons. The injuries that result have far reaching effects on injured victims and their families, as they have to face physical, financial and emotional trauma.
If you or a dear one has been injured in such an accident, contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton. You may be entitled to compensation.
Distracted Driving By Teens
Ontario has a graded licensing system GLP (Graduated Licensing Program) in which young drivers have to move from a learner’s permit to a G1 license. This is followed by a step up into the G2 license, after which the person is deemed capable of earning a G license. This system is designed to prolong the period of time in which youngsters have independent control so that they gradually develop the skills and maturity to operate the vehicle safely.
Young adults stepping into the adult world are excited about independent use of cars. However, some of the careless and negligent behaviors that they indulge in can pose a serious risk to other road users. Organizations like the Mothers Against Drunk Driving have observed that inexperience and emotions are the primary contributing factors to accidents involving teens.
A 2013 study conducted by the Center of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reveals that a large proportion of students in Grades 7-12 report that they have texted while driving.
Other studies show that one-third of students who have drivers licenses have texted while driving over the past year. CAMH sources opine that such behavior increases the chances of being involved in a collision by at least 20 times. Although it’s widely known that such behavior is risky, teens continue to indulge in it.
Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, prescription medications etc has, surprisingly, declined dramatically over the last two decades according to CAMH. However, risky behaviors like not wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, neglecting to use the seat-belt while driving a car etc remain the top reasons for serious injuries among teenagers involved in collisions.
Other types of distractions include playing loud music, over-crowded cars, reaching over to adjust controls of music system, tailgating, improper left-turns, speeding, eating, grooming, applying make-up, road rage, racing, unfamiliar terrain etc.
Single vehicle crashes are the most common accidents among this age group, and male teens account for nearly 87% of accidents.
These factors result in teenagers have to pay higher insurance rates.
Our experienced Brampton car accident lawyers can provide the right assistance and advice in such cases while ensuring that your interests are safeguarded at all times.
