Chicago Injury Attorney Blog

A recent Allstate study ranks the Chicago area the 27th metro area (out of 50) with the safest teen drivers in the United States on New Year’s. The data was compiled over an 8-year period by Allstate and research firm Sperling’s BestPlaces. Among the findings was evidence that more deadly accidents involving teen drivers occurred in less densely populated rural areas where there was more room to engage in high speed driving.

Traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death among young drivers, ages 15 – 20. In 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• 6,982 young drivers died in deadly auto crashes.
• 3,174 young drivers died in these crashes.
• 252,000 others sustained injuries.
• 1,631,000 young drivers were involved in police-reported auto accidents, of which there were 10,524,000.
• 118 young drivers died in Illinois motor vehicle crashes.
• 80 traffic victims died while riding in vehicles operated by young drivers.
• 53 of the people that died in Illinois teen driving accidents were occupants of other vehicles.

Common Causes of Teen Car Crashes:

• Inexperience
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Nighttime driving
• Speeding
• Teens riding in cars with teen drivers
• Reckless or careless driving

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers ages 16-19 are the age group most likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crashes. However, especially during the holiday season, they are not the only age group at high risk of getting involved in auto accidents.

The NHTSA says drivers in the 21-24 year old age group are more likely to be involved in deadly drunk driving accidents. 4 out of 10 fatal crashes involving alcohol that occur each year often happen during the holiday season leading up to New Year's.

Teen drivers safer in big cities, Allstate study suggests, Chicago Tribune, December 31, 2008

Allstate Holiday Teen Driving Hotspots Study Reveals Highest Rates of Deadly Teen Crashes on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, Allstate Newsroom, December 29, 2008

Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet, CDC
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration