Statistics For Teenage Driver Cell Phone Use

More than 40 percent of American teenagers admit to riding with a teen driver using a cellphone. Worse, 11 percent of teen drivers between 18 and 20 who survived a crash, admitted they were texting at the time of the accident. These statistics have forced lawmakers in many states, including Alaska, to ban texting while driving. Some states prohibit all cellphone use while driving. 

Teach Your Teen to Drive Safely In Alaska

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), advises parent to forbid teenage driver cell phone use. The FCC also encourages parents to lead by example. In other words, PUT AWAY YOUR CELL PHONE while driving a motor vehicle. Provide safe alternatives to teenage driver cell phone use. Some good ideas to share with your teen include:

• Making calls and sending texts before starting the car;
• Getting directions before driving;
• Knowing your destination before turning the key;
• Checking in with friends or parents after arriving and turning off the car engine.

Alaskan Law

Texting is against the law in Alaska. Drivers distracted by cellphones in any way may cause accidents. They may be held legally liable for the accident in court. Alaskans injured in automobile accidents should speak with a lawyer. A personal injury attorney will help you settle your claims or file a suit against the at-fault driver. The attorney will help you recover for damages. These funds will reimburse hospital bills, medical expenses and even lost wages related to the crash. 

If you are in a car accident due to teenage driver cell phone use, please contact an experienced Alaska Personal Injury attorney. 

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska auto accident case. We are here to serve you if you are seriously injured in an auto accident.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: Federal Communication Commission

Image Source: WHYY PBS NPR

In the United States, teenagers drive less than all but the oldest people. Yet, their numbers of crashes and crash deaths are disproportionately high. Using data from the National Household Travel Survey, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 year-olds is nearly 3 times the rate for drivers ages 20 and over. Risk is highest at ages 16-17. How do we help prevent auto accidents involving Alaska teens?

Auto Accidents And Alaska Teens

A significant percentage of Alaska traffic fatalities and major injuries involve teen drivers (ages 14-19). Roughly 20% of fatalities and major injuries on Alaskan roads and highways involve young drivers, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Specifically, Alaska has a high percentage of fatal crashes involving young drivers compared to other states, with 17.1% of all traffic fatalities involving young drivers.

Alaska’s Preventive Measures

Training programs for new drivers prove effective. Every state, including Alaska, requires new drivers under the age of 18 to participate in graduated licensing requirements. These programs often require supervised driving practice as well as to training courses. However, anyone over the age of 18 can obtain a full driver’s license without passing through the graduating licensing requirements. Not surprisingly, the number of deaths caused by 15-17 year old drivers is now less than fatalities associated with drivers between the ages of 18-20.

Graduated License Program For Alaska Teens

In 2004 the Alaska State Legislature started a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program. The GDL system allows young drivers to pursue their full, unrestricted driver’s license. Before GDL, Alaska only required drivers under 18 to obtain a learner’s permit for 6-months before testing for an unrestricted driver’s license. The GDL adds several important protections for new drivers related to when, where, with whom, and how Alaska teens can drive.

First, the teen driver must earn a Provisional License. Then, they are subject to several driving limitations during the first 6 months. Consequently, graduated licensing rules significantly reduce crash rates for young drivers by eliminating high-risk behaviors through rules such as:

• Prohibiting teens from driving between 1:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older. (The law provides exception for driving to and from work as well as emergencies); and
• Limiting the number of non-family passengers under the age of 21 in vehicles with a teen driver, without a parent or guardian.

Alaska Teens And Auto Accidents

Even the best training programs will not entirely eliminate auto accidents involving teens. The good news is that Alaska teens are subject to the same insurance requirements as Alaska adult drivers. In the State of Alaska, all drivers must have the minimum $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident bodily injury liability coverage. However, medical costs and lost wages can easily surpass these minimums. As a result, the services of an Alaskan personal injury lawyer become critical.

If you are in a car accident with a teenage driver or any driver, please contact an experienced Alaska personal injury attorney. 

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska auto accident case. We are here to serve you if you are seriously injured in an auto accident.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Federal Highway Administration; Alaska Highway Safety Office

Image Source: AAA Newsroom

 Alaska Teens And Car Accidents

Even if they don’t cause the car accident, Alaska teen drivers need to know what to do afterwards. Above all, Teens should know who to call in an emergency and be able to explain exactly where the crash took place.

Prepare Alaska teens to handle a car accident: focusing on immediate safety, seeking assistance, and documenting the scene. First, advise your teenager to stay calm and call 911. Then, explain what happened, who is involved, and report injuries. Remind your teen to think of the basics: Who? Where? What?

Who Was Involved?

Alaska Teens should know exchange contact information and insurance with the other driver after a car accident.

Where Did The Car Accident Take Place?

 After a motor vehicle accident, Alaska teens should know to take photos of the surroundings and involved vehicles.

What Happened In The Accident?

It is important to discuss the accident with teen drivers so they can explain any residual effects the accident may be causing. Always explain PTSD after a crash can be common and they should not be afraid to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing. Always talk to your teenager after a crash.

Advance Preparation Is Key

Talking about what to do before a car accident happens can reduce fear. Your teen’s cooperation with first responders can be lifesaving. Never avoid these critical steps – on the contrary, have driver safety conversations regularly.

In summary, preparing for a car accident ahead of time helps teenagers to be more responsible drivers and allows parents peace of mind.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Contact us to discuss your Alaska car accident case.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Image Source: Middle Earth

Statistics On Speeding

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2023, speeding killed 11,775 people.  Increasing driving speed by 10 mph translates to a 78% increase in collision energy. Help reduce Teenagers Speeding In Alaska

Drivers with the least experience, generally between the ages 16 and 20, are more prone to speed. This often leads to Teenagers Speeding In Alaska. The good news is improving your teenagers driving skills and allowing them time to gain more experience will help. Speed limits protect drivers. Make sure to teach your teen how to manage their speed by planning ahead. When reaching an intersection, guide them through the steps to slow down rather than coming to an immediate stop.

Reduce Teenagers Speeding In Alaska

To reduce the risk of dangerous driving among teens and Teenagers Speeding In Alaska, get involved early and be a role model. If your teenager sees you speeding, they will be more likely to speed themselves. Teenagers also need a safe car with good tires, especially in the extreme temperatures of Alaska. Finally, technology has introduced ways for parents to monitor teen driving habits, including devices and phone apps. These can become good tools in preventing speeding among teenagers.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: NTHSA; Teen Driving; US News

Image Source: I Stock Photos

Multitasking Is Distracted Driving

Teens and Distracted Driving – If full-grown adults struggle with (the myth of) multitasking behind the wheel, imagine how the teenage brain functions while driving with a mobile phone, loud music, or too many passengers in the car. While there are many drivers who do what they can to remain alert behind the wheel, other drivers may drive while talking on the phone, fiddling with their radios or even changing clothing.

Statistics on Teens and Distracted Driving

Check out the infographic on the Driving MBA website for more information about multi-tasking and distracted driving. One study found that 27 percent of teenagers surveyed sometimes change their clothes or shoes while behind the wheel. The Teens and Distracted Driving researcher states this problem is a result of teenagers not being aware that multitasking is as dangerous as texting. Addressing this problem is key. Especially since a high percentage of car accidents relates to distracted driving.

In the Teens and Distracted Driving study, researchers asked teenagers to participate in a driver education class. The class helps teens understand the dangers of multitasking while driving. The teenagers held a conversation on the phone while doing other tasks, including writing down numbers on a chalkboard. A behavioral scientist at the National Institutes of Health states this particular use of classroom intervention was encouraging.

Discuss Your Case With A Dedicated Personal Injury Attorney

What happens after an accident with a Teen who is Distracted Driving? A person injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving may wish to file a personal injury lawsuit. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

 Sources: NHTSA; Driving MBA; NPR

Images Source: NPR