Study Examines Vehicle Age and Size as Car Accident Factors

Statistics have long shown teenage drivers have higher rates of car accidents than older drivers. For many years, inexperience behind the wheel was the cited as a potential car accident cause for many of the crashes. However, one new study looked into the possibility of other contributing factors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety examined data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and found teens who are killed in motor vehicle collisions are more likely to be driving older and smaller vehicles. This means vehicles are less likely to be equipped with the latest safety features, which can put occupants at risk of serious injuries.

These findings leave many people questioning what can be done to keep teens safe on the road. An article from The New York Times suggests several safety tips. The first is to get a vehicle with a high safety rating. These vehicles will likely be equipped with features like electronic stability control. Also, teenagers should avoid high-horsepower vehicles, as fast cars may tempt people to drive faster than their capabilities.

At William Mattar Law Offices, we have a team of Buffalo car accident attorneys that recognizes the importance of keeping motorists safe on the road. That’s why we also suggest discussing the importance of safety behind the wheel with your teen on a consistent basis.