A study conducted by Virginia Tech University and the National Institutes for Health found that teens are eight times more likely to get in a crash or near-miss with another car during the first three months of owning a license than during the last three months of owning a permit. Nevada residents should know that, according to another study from the NIH, car crashes are the leading cause of death among those aged 14 to 19.
In this more recent study, researchers monitored the driving of 90 teens from the time they received their learner’s permit to the end of their first year as licensed drivers. Drivers on a permit were accompanied by parent participants, who numbered 131 in this study. Data was gathered through dash cams and through software that recorded braking and speed.
It turns out that during the first three months of being alone in the car, teen drivers were more likely to engage in abrupt braking, quick acceleration and severe turns. On the other hand, teens tended to drive more safely in bad weather and at night than adults do.
Researchers say that when parents are in the car, teens are prevented from learning specific skills. As a result, the study is calling for states to allow a gradual decrease in adult supervision.
When there is a car accident with a teen driver, victims on the other side will want to know what the cause was. Afterwards, they may deliberate whether or not they want to file a personal injury claim. It may be best to get the advice and guidance of a lawyer. A lawyer might hire crash investigators to show from evidence at the crash site and other proof that the teen was negligent. The lawyer may handle all negotiations with the auto insurance provider.
