While parents of teen drivers, as well as those who are in college, may be concerned about distracted driving, it is drunk driving that is still a persistent problem among young drivers. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 through 19 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a new study published by the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development revealed some disturbing trends for teen drivers.
Essentially, teens who ride in a car with a drunk driver are more likely to drive while intoxicated themselves. Researchers questioned a number of 10th graders who had driver’s licenses, and found that there was a strong possibility that they would drive drunk by the time the graduated from high school. While no additional theories behind this behavior were noted, it appears that once a teen sees someone drive while “buzzed” or “tipsy” he or she may think it is safe and believe that they can do the same.
Unfortunately, this overdeveloped sense of confidence often leads to deadly results. When this occurs, a drunk driver could be held liable to those injured or killed in an accident. Basically, people injured in a drunk driving crash can seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages, for example.
So while it goes without saying that young drivers should abstain from alcohol before driving, the reality is that drunk driving accidents do occur. In these instances, an experienced personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights and options.
Source: HuffingtonPost.com “Teens more likely to drive drunk after riding with intoxicated drivers: Study,” Cari Nierenberg, Mar. 17, 2014