If you are the parent of a teen driver, then you understand the dangers associated with distracted driving. Driving distractions, such as talking on a cell phone and/or sending and receiving texts can increase their risk of being injured in a Bucks County car accident. However, very little attention is given to those that are riding in the car with them.
Alarming findings
The American Academy of Pediatrics conducted a study in which they found that the chances of your teen being involved in fatal accident:
- Double when another teen passenger is riding with them
- Is five times more likely when there are two or more teen passengers in the car with them
The difference between sexes
A recent study conducted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) discovered that peer pressure affects male and female teen drivers in different ways. The study concluded that boy drivers were nearly six times more likely to speed, drive recklessly, and/or perform illegal maneuvers prior to being involved in a car accident when other teens were riding in the car with them.
Girl drivers
Though female teen drivers are less likely to show off in front of their friends, they are not exempt from the peer pressure resulting from having teen passengers riding with them. The CHOP study found that girls were more likely than boys to crash when becoming distracted by:
- Talking to their friends
- Talking on the phone
- Texting
Conclusion of the studies
No matter the distractions your teen faces when behind the wheel, the studies conclude that teens are less likely to become distracted when driving alone. Parents should consider not letting them drive with teen passengers in the car with them.
When your teen is the injured passenger
Perhaps your teen was injured as a passenger in a Bucks County distracted driving accident. It is important to know they have the same rights as anyone else and might be eligible to receive compensation for their damages.
Defending your teen driver’s rights is paramount, so you should order your free copy of our book, How to Maximize Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Case Before an Insurance Company Takes Advantage of You.
If you or your teen driver has been injured in a distracted driving accident, contact one of our experienced Bucks County distracted driving accident attorneys at Cordisco & Saile Law Firm at 215-642-2335.
