The Surge in Claim Frequency Among Teenage Drivers

​Inexperience may be a disadvantage that affects a lot of teenagers. These are the factors that can increase the risk of driving for teenage drivers.

​1) Texting and Cellphones

Whenever a teenager is behind the wheel, there may be temptation to text or surf the web from a cell phone. These distractions can increase the likelihood of a car accident to occur. There was a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that found that cell phone users are more likely to get into an accident that can injure themselves.

Even in states that have banned the use of cell phones while driving, people have been ignoring the law. But police are cracking down and lawsuits are on the rise, so check your state’s cell phone usage laws and even if there’s no law, put your phone away while driving to avoid accidents.

2) Speeding

The risk of an accident may increase with speeding. The reduced reaction time and lack of driving experience can be a deadly combination. It happens whenever a teenager drives more than the posted speed limit.

Teen drivers should be aware of the speed limit as well as the possible fines. Speeding tickets can lead to suspended licenses and drastic increases to your insurance, not to mention the higher potential for fatal accidents.

3) Weather

There are some weather-related risks that can increase the chance of an accident. They are high winds, black ice, limited visibility, snow and wet roads. Teenagers can be susceptible to these conditions. The reason for this is that they don't have enough driving experience. It is important for teenagers to know the proper driving techniques for inclement weather and to practice them in a controlled environment.

4) Time of Day

In 2005, around half of all teen deaths in a motor vehicle crash happened between 3 p.m. and midnight. A huge percentage occurred during Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Limit teens to safe driving times until they have enough experience. It can safeguard the new drivers against undue risks.

5) Peer Pressure

It is likely for unsupervised teenage drivers to have accidents. It may increase when they have teen passengers with them. There is information from the statistics. An increase in teenage passengers also increases the likelihood of an accident. Some states have laws against teenage drivers having passengers if a supervising adult isn’t present. Even if your state doesn’t have a law, consider making it a family rule.

6) Alcohol

Alcohol impairment caused the death of more than one in four 15 to 20-year-olds that died in automobile crashes in 2007. Check out Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Also review The Insurance Information Institute, and The Centers for Disease Control. They have a comprehensive selection of resources about drunk driving and its prevention.

7) Failure to Use Seat Belts

It is important to wear seat belts at all times to avoid injury. But teens are less likely to wear them. There was a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last 2008 that said that 55 percent of 16 to 20-year-old vehicle occupants who died in crashes were not wearing a seat belt. The belt usage rates for teens are especially low during nighttime.

These teenagers are also less likely to wear safety belts even if their parents wear them. This information was from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety survey last 2002. According to the study, the passenger seat belt use was also lower for teens compared to adults. Only 50% of males and 56% of females that ride with adult drivers wear their seat belts. They do this in the morning before going to school.

Aside from this, they revealed that whenever a teenager drives, belt use falls to 42% for males and 52% for females.

At Roper Insurance Services we take pride in making sure our clients are well protected at prices they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (877) 767-3711 or Click Here to request a free quote.