The Most Common Causes of Teen Driver Crashes in Ohio

Teen drivers between the ages of 16-19 are at a higher risk of being involved in motor vehicle crashes compared to drivers in other age groups. According to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, Ohio drivers under the age of 24 are responsible for 31% of crashes. While lack of driving experience is a major factor, there are other common causes that lead to these tragic incidents. This article will examine some of the most prevalent causes of teen driver crashes in Ohio and provide tips to help teens stay safe on the road.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading contributors to crashes among teen drivers. Distractions take a teen’s attention away from the road and increase the chances of an accident occurring. Some common distractions for teen drivers include:

Cell phone use – Texting, making calls, browsing social media apps
Passengers – Loud, rambunctious passengers can be highly distracting
In-vehicle technology – Adjusting music, GPS navigation, etc. takes focus off driving
Eating/drinking – Unwrapping and consuming food or beverages
Grooming – Applying makeup, brushing hair, etc.

To minimize distractions, teens should turn off cell phones and put them out of reach before driving. Passengers should be informed of rules prior to the trip and told to avoid loud talking or disruptive behavior. Adjustments to music, navigation and climate controls should be made before the vehicle is in motion. Snacks and grooming should be handled before or after the drive, not during.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving impairs judgment and reaction times similar to driving under the influence. Teens often have busy schedules between school, activities, jobs and social lives which can lead to fatigue. Drowsy driving signs for teens include:

Frequent yawning or blinking
Trouble remembering the past few miles driven
Missing traffic signs or exits
Difficulty maintaining speed and lane position
Difficulty focusing or heavy eyelids

Getting adequate sleep (8-10 hours) can prevent drowsiness behind the wheel. Teens should also take breaks every 100 miles or 2 hours on longer drives. Driving with the radio on, windows open or chewing gum can also help combat drowsiness in the short term. If they are extremely tired, the best solution is to switch drivers or stop somewhere safe to rest.

Speeding

Speeding is a major contributor to fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Teens may speed to show off, feel pressured by peers, or simply lack awareness of appropriate speeds for conditions. Speeding reduces the reaction time required to avoid hazards or collisions in unexpected situations.

Teens should obey posted speed limits and adjust as needed for construction zones, school zones, neighborhoods, and bad weather. Parents can set a positive example by modeling safe driving speeds and speaking up when riding as a passenger with a teen who speeds. Teens should be taught to manage peer pressure and resist urges to speed, reminding friends that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly.

Impaired Driving

Despite being under the legal drinking age, impaired driving remains an issue with teen drivers. Impairment can result from alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, or illegal substances. Even small amounts can negatively impact motor skills, reflexes, and judgment. Teens are at higher risk of crashes at lower blood alcohol content levels than adult drivers.

Teens should be educated about driving under the influence and understand the legal, financial and physical consequences. Parents should model responsible behavior and convey zero tolerance for driving while impaired. Teens can protect themselves and friends by securing keys, reporting impaired driving to parents or law enforcement, and arranging alternate transportation such as a rideshare.

Driver Inexperience

Simply having less time and practice behind the wheel contributes to teen driver crashes. Teens may lack experience scanning for hazards, recovering from skids, navigating high speed intersections, parking, and more. Crash risk is highest in the first year of independent driving.

Graduated licensing programs help teens gain skills through supervised practice time. Parents should schedule supervised driving sessions in various conditions and environments. Additional driver’s education courses beyond state requirements provide valuable skills training. Teens should be open to constructive feedback from parents and instructors. Most importantly, teen drivers should avoid distractions, obey traffic laws and never speed to build skills safely over time.

Seat Belt Non-Use

Teens have a lower rate of seat belt use compared to other age groups, yet seat belts are proven to save lives in a crash. Ohio law requires seat belt use for drivers and front seat passengers aged 16 and older. However, teens may still try to buck the rules. Seat belts should be worn correctly across the lap and shoulder on every trip, every time, front seat and back.

Parents can enforce seat belt policies at all times when their teen has passengers. Seat belt use habits started as a teen driver become lifelong practices. Remind teens that seat belts protect not only themselves in a crash but also their passengers. Be a positive role model by always wearing a seat belt when driving or riding as a passenger.

How Parents Can Help Their Teens Drive Safely

Parents play a critical role in helping novice drivers stay safe on the road through instruction, modeling good behavior, and setting ground rules. Here are some tips for parents of teen drivers:

Require 30-50 hours of supervised practice in varying conditions before independent driving.
Establish and enforce restrictions such as passenger limits, nighttime curfews, acceptable reasons to drive, etc.
Request your teen’s school to send driving infractions so you can address problems quickly.
Lead by example – model safe driving habits like obeying speed limits, putting down phones, and wearing seat belts.
Have regular conversations about driving responsibilities and ways to handle challenging situations.
Work with teens to establish and sign a parent-teen driving contract outlining expectations.
Consider advanced driver’s education and defensive driving courses to build teen’s skills.
Utilize apps or monitoring technology to track driving habits – reward good behavior.
Provide positive feedback when observing teens making safe choices behind the wheel.

By taking an active role in their training process, parents can ensure teens develop safe driving attitudes, behaviors, and skills from the start.

Contact Us if You’ve Been Hurt in an Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be scary and overwhelming, especially for teen drivers. At Pencheff & Fraley, our dedicated teen accident attorneys are here to help Ohio families. With compassion and expertise, we will guide you through each step following an accident and fight to get your teen the compensation they deserve.

Visit one of our offices at:

Westerville – 4151 Executive Pkwy, Suite 355, Westerville, OH 43081
Mansfield – 33 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906

Or call now for a free consultation on (614) 224-4114.