Historically, summer is the most dangerous time for teen drivers to be on the road. Over 30% of all teen driver fatalities occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which is 35% higher than at other times of the year. Due to increased accidents and injuries involving teen drivers during this period, it’s known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Learn more about the prevalence of teen driver accidents in Connecticut, their causes, CT teen driving laws, and how to prevent teen driving accidents below.
Connecticut Teen Driver Statistics
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 20 in the U.S. So far this year in Connecticut alone, teen drivers have been involved in over 9,000 accidents, 20 of which resulted in fatalities. Weekends are the most dangerous time for teen drivers, with the highest accident rates occurring on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The hours between dusk and dawn are also the most dangerous; 44% of teen accident fatalities occur between 9 pm and 6 am nationally. In Connecticut, 61% of accident fatalities for young drivers occurred between 6 pm and 3 am.
Causes of Teen Driver Accidents
Here are the most common causes of teen driving accidents in Connecticut:
Speeding
Speeding is the primary cause of fatal car accidents involving teens in the state. Driving at high speeds is already dangerous, but it can become deadly when inexperienced drivers lose control of the vehicle while speeding and lack the driving skills to regain control safely.
Reckless Driving
In addition to speeding, teen car accidents in Connecticut are often caused by other forms of reckless driving, such as street racing, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and cutting across traffic.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Data from NHTSA indicates that 34% of 25- to 34-year-olds involved in fatal crashes weren’t wearing a seat belt at the time. Overall, young drivers under the age of 25 are the most likely age group not to wear a seat belt.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of car accidents in the nation. It’s also a leading cause for car accidents in Connecticut. Distracted driving is defined as any action that takes your mind, hands, or visual attention off the road. While cell phone use is the most prevalent form of distracted driving, young drivers can become easily distracted with other tasks, such as eating, applying makeup, or adjusting a GPS. Determining the exact percentage of accidents that are caused by distracted driving is challenging due to reporting methods. However, CTDOT estimates that at least 4% of all car crashes involving injuries are due to distracted driving.
Connecticut Teen Driving Laws
In an attempt to keep young drivers safe on the roadways, Connecticut has strict rules for 16 and 17-year-olds who are newly licensed. From the time a teenager gets their permit at 16, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has had their license for at least four years, according to CT Gen Stat § 14-36. Once a teen receives their driver’s license, they must adhere to strict guidelines on when and how they can drive. For the first six months after a teen driver receives their license, the only passengers allowed in the car are their parents or other caregivers. After the initial six months, other members of the teen’s immediate family, like siblings, can be passengers in the car. Teen drivers must follow a nightly curfew and refrain from driving between 11 pm and 5 am unless it’s for work, school, attending a religious ceremony, or seeking medical care. In addition, teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phone communication while driving.—including hands-free devices. Teens who violate these rules will receive an automatic 48-hour license suspension and could face increased fines and penalties.
Preventing Teen Driving Accidents
Since Connecticut implemented graduated driver licensing, there has been a 64% drop in teen driver deaths. To prevent teen driver accidents, the best way is to ensure your teen follows all laws regarding teen driving. In addition, actively engaging your teen when learning to drive is another way to prevent accidents. In one survey, 75% of student drivers said they found driving with their parents and caregivers to be the most beneficial part of learning how to drive, along with taking driver’s education courses.
Talk to your teens about the importance of safe driving habits. Set ground rules and consider creating a driving agreement between you and your teen that sets expectations and boundaries regarding driving, such as individual curfews, allowed driving distances, and consequences for not following these rules.
Moore, O’Brien & Foti: Middlebury, CT Car Accident Attorney
Teen drivers are the most vulnerable age group on the roads. While Connecticut is committed to ensuring the safety of young drivers, accidents do happen. When they do, you need a trusted lawyer familiar with the Waterbury, CT area and local roadways to represent your case accurately. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a teen driver, our team at Moore, O’Brien & Foti can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call our New Haven County attorney’s office at 203-586-0022 or schedule a free consultation online to discuss your case.