Driving is a useful and exciting new skill for young adults yet simultaneously a scary time for parents who are letting their children embark on a new rite of passage by driving independently. With an alarming surge in teen traffic deaths in Denver this year, we want to discuss the dangers of teen driving and how to avoid them and make the roadways safer for everyone.
Learning to drive can be intimidating but give teens a sense of autonomy and independence. It requires new skills and presents unique challenges, such as traffic laws and learning new routes and roadways. Teen drivers are also faced with the task of learning practical skills to safely operate cars while also learning how to react and be defensive to stay out of harm’s way. With all of this taken into consideration, it’s clear that the stakes are high when it comes to teen drivers on the road and they may even underestimate the risks on the road.
Read on to learn more about:
- Unique challenges teen drivers face
- Why denver has had such a drastic increase in teen traffic fatalities
- How to prevent teen traffic deaths
- And how our Denver personal injury lawyers can help you if your teen was involved in a fatal car crash
Rising Teen Traffic Deaths in Denver in 2023
According to a recent article from CBS News, so far in 2023, over 16,000 teenagers aged 15 to 19 have been involved in a Colorado car accident. That’s a disturbing rate – and translates to about 57 teenagers per day who are getting into car accidents.
Perhaps of greater alarm is the dramatic increase in the number of teen traffic fatalities this year, with 61 teen lives lost to a traffic accident. That figure is 53% higher than the same time last year, which means we’re on track to break last year’s sky high record of 103 teen traffic fatalities.
The number of non-teen fatalities (adults) who have died in traffic crashes where a teen was involved has also shot up by over 30% from this time in 2022, clocking in at 73 fatalities. We’re talking about hundreds of lives that are taken because of negligent drivers, which is way too many.
Denver law enforcement officials and transportation departments have identified the primary causes for teen drivers being at higher risk and why they have been in more traffic fatalities this year: failure to wear a seatbelt, drinking and driving, speeding, and careless driving. 90% percent of occupants who aren’t wearing a seatbelt during the crash end up as a traffic casualty.
Teen Drivers Face Various New Challenges When Learning How to Drive
Teen drivers have challenges that are new and unique, such as passenger distractions and a sense of pressure or fear white learning something new. Safety Director Darrell Lingk of Colorado Department of Transportation urges parents to actively guide their teens to become responsible, safe drivers and give clear rules, be a good driving model, and talk to your teens about the dangers of distracted or impaired driving. Our job is not just to teach them how to drive but how to make smart decisions on the road and protect themselves.
Teen drivers may feel like they are shouldering heavy social responsibilities as they learn to drive. After all, they have to learn a plethora of new information and get acquainted with not only driving but also the vehicle, and registration and insurance (to some degree).
As new drivers, teens have a much higher likelihood to be involved in devastating injuries that can result in extensive damages and severe injuries, or even fatalities. Even the teens with the most training and knowledge are vulnerable to get into accidents if there are other negligent drivers on the road, dangerous roadways, poor weather conditions, or vehicle malfunctions.
And while many assume that teen or young drivers are automatically at fault in an accident, this is far from true. If your teen driver was injured or killed in an accident caused by another driver, you will need a knowledgeable Personal injury attorney to help you through this process. We can help break the biased fallacy that teen drivers are always at fault by investigating the accident and determining exactly who is liable. Then, we can help you file an insurance claim, personal injury, claim, or wrongful death claim.
It’s possible your teen was partially at fault and we can still help you navigate a case under those circumstances and win you the compensation your family deserves. If your child died in a car accident, our Denver wrongful death attorneys and Denver Car Accident Death Attorneys are here to help fight hard to hold the at fault party accountable. That’s the least you deserve after everything you and your family have teen through.
Tips From the Colorado Department of Transportation for Parents to Help Prevent Teen Traffic Accidents:
The Colorado Department of Transportation has provided tips and strategies for parents, guardians, and caregivers to keep their teens safe while driving.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has provided tips and strategies for parents, guardians, and caregivers to keep their teens safe while driving.
1. Talk to them. Being a consistent and safe source for your teen to come to about driving questions can help them become a stronger and more confident driver. That’s why it’s important to keep an open and ongoing discussion with your teen about safe driving laws and practices.
2. Educate yourself and your teens about local driving laws. Denver has specific laws regarding nighttime driving, licensing, and passenger regulations. You and your teen should become familiar with these laws so that they are abiding by them while driving.
3. Set a good example for them. You can be a good role model for your teen drivers by staying consistent and maintaining integrity in your own driving practice – limit distractions and obey traffic laws. Young adults and children are more likely to learn through modeling behavior rather than being told what to do.
4. Emphasize the dangers of texting while driving. Not only is texting while driving illegal, it’s one of the most dangerous types of distractions that exist because it takes your eyes, hands, and attention away from driving. NHTSA statistics show that texting and driving is six times more likely to cause a crash than drunk driving.
5. Encourage responsible driving and the consequences for not doing so. If your teen knows the potential negative consequences for speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, drinking and driving, or texting, they are less likely to engage in those behaviors.
6. Review all of the control features of your car so your teen feels comfortable and confident about driving it alone. Go over dashboard controls, lights, wipers, turn signals, mirror adjustments, steering wheel adjustments, safety features, gas and brake pedals, warning lights, and the parking brake. They should also know where the license, registration and insurance cards are in the car.
What Are the Top Reasons New Drivers Get Into Car Accidents in Denver?
Some Of the most common causes of Denver teen car accidents and fatalities are:
- Impaired or intoxicated driving and drug use
- Dangerous or confusing roadways (e.g., uneven shoulders or unexpected potholes, slippery roadways due to ice, snow, or rain)
- Construction creating dangerous road obstructions
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Lack of experience
Losing your teen in a tragic car accident is unthinkable. That’s why it’s crucial to take preventative measures and educate them on driving safety. But even the most prepared and knowledgeable teen driver can be a victim to other negligent drivers on the road. We are here to help you determine who is liable and hold them accountable for your teen’s death or injuries.
Teen Driver Statistics in Denver
The highest risk group for teen drivers in Denver are those ages 16 to 19, having the highest fatality rate (almost three times as high as other age groups). Males and drivers who have other teen passengers are also at higher risk of getting into accidents, along with newly licensed teens. The first few months of getting their license is the most likely time they will get into an accident.
Rules of the Road for Denver Teen Drivers
While everyone has a duty to abide by the rules of the road, regardless of age, teen drivers have a few additional restrictions they need to be aware of.
Passenger Laws
Teens with a driver’s permit must legally have a driving instructor, parent, or guardian present while driving. The accompanying adult must be at least 21 and have a license, sit in the front seat, and wear a seatbelt.
After a teenage driver gets their license, they may not have any passengers under 21 without a licensed or adult or parent present. Following the first six months, they can drive with no more than one underage passenger (under 21). The exceptions to these rules are if an emergency medical event occurs .
Seat-Belt Law
All drivers and passengers in the front of a vehicle that is in operation are required to wear seatbelts in Denver, including adults, and teens.
Texting and Driving
Drivers younger than 18 are not allowed to use a cellphone while driving, and doing so can risk license revocation. The only exception is to make an emergency call to the fire department, police, sheriff, or if they are in some other dangerous situation.
Curfews For Teen Drivers
Teen drivers have a curfew in their first year of licensure, prohibiting them from driving between midnight and 5 am. If they are accompanied by a licensed adult or guardian, they may drive past curfew hours. Additionally, there are certain instances where a teen driver is allowed to drive past curfew if they have work or school hours beyond the curfew or if they are emancipated minors. Every county has different laws so be sure to check yours and abide by them accordingly.
Zero Tolerance Law
Every day at least 8 teen drivers die due to alcohol and driving. HAving the conversation of the dangers of drinking and driving with your teen can drastically reduce their odds of doing it. They should also refrain from riding with a friend who has been drinking or using drugs. Tell them that this year has been a particularly dangerous year for teen traffic deaths in Denver and discuss some of the reasons. Denver, like many other cities, has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol and teen driving. That means any amount of alcohol for teen drivers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by law.
FAQ From Parents of Teen Traffic Deaths and Teen Car Accident Injuries in Denver
As a parent of a teen who was killed in a car crash, we understand the devastation you are experiencing. It can be hard to think about legal matters while grieving the loss or injury of your child, but it’s important to address them to ensure you get the just compensation you deserve to move forward.
Here are some questions we frequently get from parents of teen drivers who were either injured or killed. Contrary to popular assumption that teens are automatically at fault in a car crash, that’s not always the case. If you have any specific questions that have not been addressed in this article, don’t hesitate to reach out to speak with one of our knowledgeable Denver Wrongful Death Lawyers.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
Every case is worth a different amount. That said, there is no amount of money that can ever make up for the loss of your child. But, getting financial compensation will help you cover the physical damages you incurred from your teen’s car accident as well as other losses. While your insurance company may provide some degree of financial support, they are also notorious for delaying, lowballing, or outright denying claims.
It’s best to have an experienced Denver car accident lawyer representing you and working on your behalf. Be sure to hire a lawyer before you file any claims so you have an expert on your side who can help contest any unfair offers. We will see to it that all responsible parties who contributed to your teen’s death or injuries. If the insurance company does not provide what you believe to be fair and just, we can pursue the at fault parties for the right cost.
Why Do I Need to Seek Compensation After My Child Dies in a Car Accident?
Your child’s life may have been taken or changed forever by a car crash. If they died or sustained severe injuries, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation for the pain and suffering they endured, as well as other damages, including:
- Property damage and any car repairs
- Medical bills, past and future
- Mental anguish
- Negative impact on lifestyle
- Lost work and earning potential
A teenager who gets severely injured in a car crash can experience a major setback that could change the course of their entire life. That’s why a lawyer can help you and your family recuperate for those immense losses that may affect you forever.
Contact a Denver Teen Car Accident Lawyer Today
No one should ever have to endure the pain and suffering of losing their child to the hands of a reckless driver. We are here to help you get through all the agony and grief after your teen was killed or seriously injured in a car accident.
If you are a teen who was severely injured in a car accident or a parent who lost their child to a fatal crash, call our Denver personal injury lawyers today. We are ready to get to work on your case right away and will provide compassionate and unparalleled legal services. You deserve more than just legal and financial support, and we’re here to provide that for you.
Call us today to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable Denver car accident attorney. We offer a free initial consultation so call now and take the right steps to protecting your rights.
