Teens & Tweens At Highest Risk For Death In Car Accident

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Updated: 12:01 AM Mar 6, 2008 Teens & Tweens At Highest Risk For Death In Car Accident A new study finds that teenagers are more likely than kids of any other age to die if in a car accident. Posted: 11:36 PM Mar 5, 2008 Reporter: Hailey Frances Email Address: hailey.frances@wcav.tv

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March 5, 2008

A new study finds that teenagers are more likely than kids of any other age to die if in a car accident.

The study released Monday says a number of factors including young driver's inexperience behind the wheel, riding on a high speed road, and not wearing a seat belt may contribute to young deaths.

The study was conducted by State Farm Insurance and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

It notes that kids ages 12 to 16 are more at risk than children of any other age.

Researchers believe that young, inexperienced teen drivers cart around their friends.

Since those teen drivers are more at risk of getting into an accident than an adult driver, this could be a huge factor in the number of deaths in a car for this age group.

These researchers also say many of these teen-aged deaths are preventable, as easily as wearing a seat belt.

"I think it's very important to start setting that example at a young age" said Charlottesville Police Sergeant Mike Gore, "so as they become teen drivers and older that its just part of their habit when they get into the car is just putting their seat belt on."

Latest Comments

Posted by: Audrey on Mar 10, 2008 at 11:47 PM

It amazes me that two in every ten people do not wear their seatbelts when statistics clearly show that approximately 13,000 lives are saved in the United States each year. I agree that elders should “start setting an example” for those younger than them, and make it a “habit when they get into the car.” Seatbelts do make a difference, and three people very close to me would have been extremely hurt if they were not wearing one. As you said, “Teen-aged deaths are preventable, as easily as wearing a seat belt.” Not only do seatbelts help prevent teen deaths, but everyone else’s as well. It’s just that simple. Wear a seatbelt.

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