Personal Injury Law

Spring brings high risk of Chicago car accidents involving teenagers

By Kris Briggs

As young drivers head into a busy but exciting time of year, our Chicago personal injury attorneys want to remind teens to drive responsibly and be careful when driving on Illinois roadways.

With the excitement of Spring Break, prom, and graduation right around the corner, teens are most at risk of Chicago car accidents related to distracted driving or driving under the influence.

The leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds is motor vehicle crashes, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2008, over 2,700 young drivers were killed, and another 228,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes.

NHTSA reported that in 2008, 31% of young drivers killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or higher. Alcohol-related crashes for young drivers are more prominent in males than females in reported data for 2008. Young drivers are also less likely to be restrained by sea tbelts in alcohol-related crashes.

Teens are often tempted this time of year to participate in parties that involve underage drinking. A recent article in Trib Local reported several teens cited for underage drinking at two separate parties that led to an alleged DUI accident. At both parties, numerous teens were charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. In addition, one 17 year-old was charged with resisting a police officer when he became argumentative about the situation.

In a separate incident, a 16-year old believed to have been drinking and taking drugs, was the passenger in a vehicle that was stopped after hitting a tree. Though the driver was of age to drink, he was tested over the legal limit at a BAC of .23. Both were charged of alcohol-related crimes but the driver was also cited for leaving the scene of an accident and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Teens are reminded to not fall into temptation when celebrating milestones like proms and graduations in the next few months. Celebrating at parties with friends can be fun but only if you survive and return home safely. Underage drinking is illegal and dangerous so refrain from peer pressure so that you and other motorist can remain safe on Illinois roadways. And above all, do not drink and drive.

Full post as published by Illinois Injury Law Blog on March 24, 2011 (boomark / email).