Why Vehicle Accident Risks Are High on Prom Night
Prom is supposed to be a night of celebration with friends, but it’s also one of the highest-risk times for teenage drivers. A vehicle accident can turn a night that was destined to be dreamy into a nightmare instantly.
Prom Night Driving Dangers
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for people 16–19 is almost three times higher than the rate for those 20 and older.
Some of the most common causes of these collisions include:
- Alcohol. Even experienced drivers can have serious accidents due to alcohol consumption, and intoxicated teenagers are particularly prone to engaging in dangerous behaviors that cause collisions. Unfortunately, too many teens succumb to the temptation to drink and drive, particularly on prom night.
- Distractions. Driving requires mental concentration, and even the smallest distractions can lead to a crash. Distracted driving includes any sort of activity that takes a motorist’s attention away from the road, such as texting, eating, and talking with passengers. These risks are even greater on prom night, when teens may be distracted by the excitement generated by their friends.
- Peer pressure. Having other teenagers in a vehicle on prom night can encourage risky driving behaviors. Teenagers want to impress their friends, and this may cause them to speed, tailgate, or make illegal turns.
- Driver inexperience. Teenagers with fewer than two years of driving experience aren’t prepared to recognize and react to hazardous situations. Young drivers will inevitably make mistakes as they learn, and the distractions associated with prom night add to this risk.
Receiving Compensation
If you or your child suffered injuries due to a vehicle accident on prom night, you may be entitled to recover damages for any resulting medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
You need an experienced vehicle accident attorney to help secure the compensation you deserve. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.