CT Teen Driving Fatalities doubled during Q1 and Q2 of 2020

Tragically, during the first six months of 2020, the number of fatal teen driving motor vehicle accidents in Connecticut has more than doubled compared to the same period of time in 2019. Reports indicate that there were 15 teen motor vehicle fatality deaths in Connecticut during the first half of 2020 compared to 7 in 2019.

CT had more teen fatalities with fewer accidents

This alarming statistic is even more shocking considering the fact that during the same six-month period of time in 2019, there were more than 54,000 motor vehicle accidents, and this year there have been less than 38,000.  One explanation that has been given is that the pandemic is responsible for fewer motor vehicles being on the roadways which has resulted in a greatly reduced number of accidents.

Many Teens do not follow motor vehicle laws

One school of thought about the great rise in teen driving fatalities in Connecticut is the fact that because there were fewer drivers on the roadways, more teens are not following the motor vehicle laws, many of these individuals are speeding and still, others are engaged in distracted driving.  Sometimes people feel that because there are fewer drivers on the roadway than it is safer for them to engage in activities that they would otherwise not do because they feel they have to pay greater attention when there are more people on the roadways.

Last year, CT had one teen driving accident per hour

UCONN, which compiles teen driving statistics, found that there was almost 12,000 teen driving motor vehicle accidents last year. This equates to one teen driving accident in less than one hour and most of those accidents occurred on Friday.

Parents can help to monitor and educate their teen driver

Almost 85% of those teen driving accidents involved another motor vehicle or a pedestrian or bicyclist. Parents possess one of the best ways to help reduce their child’s poor driving habits, and ultimately reduce the risk of being involved in an accident, which is by setting a better example for their children in how they drive. Parents also need to realize that once their teen gets their driver’s license they need to be more involved in monitoring their teen’s driving habits and behavior and to constantly educate them about safe driving techniques.

Parents also need to be good role models

Our injury lawyers have been involved in far too many cases where the life of a young person has been lost as a result of a motor vehicle accident. The pain and agony suffered by the parents are inconceivable and should not have to be experienced by anyone. As parents, we can take an active role in helping to reduce teen driving accidents by being constantly involved in our teen’s driving experience. Set rules. Enforce penalties for failing to comply with the rules. Ask questions. Be ever vigilant and always involved. The adverse consequences should not be an option for anyone to endure.

Parents, Get involved

Please be very involved in your teen’s driving behavior, check on them, check-in with them, and make sure that they are safely operating a motor vehicle that could otherwise result in a serious accident or the death of another. If you have any questions or if your teen has been involved in an accident, contact us.