Graduation and Summertime Teenage Accident Fatalities

When high school students die in car crashes, the tragedy is felt across the nation. A young person should have their whole life ahead of them. Sadly, such accidents sometimes happen around graduation and throughout the summer. Times that should be filled with celebration and fun, abruptly end in sadness.

In 2021, Houston CW39 reported that Texas ranked high for teenage fatal accidents. Texas had more summertime crash fatalities involving teen drivers than any state in the nation.

Texas Traffic Accident Statistics

From 2010 to 2019 the statistics were:

  • Texas had 2,318 deaths involving teen drivers
  • Close to 30% of these deaths occurred during summertime
  • Texas was number one, followed by California with 1,631 deaths involving teen drivers
  • Florida ranked third with 1,584 deaths involving teen drivers

Three Main Factors Explain How High School Students Die in Car Crashes

Parents can work with and encourage their teenagers to drive safely. The three primary dangerous driving factors involving teenagers  include:

  • Distracted driving. Six out of 10 teen crashes involve distracted driving. Researchers estimate that distracted driving occurs four times more frequently than police reports reveal. Types of distractions are often cellphone use and talking with other passengers.
  • No seat belt use. A published 2015 study indicated that 60% of teen drivers who died in car accidents were not wearing seat belts. Train your teenager to buckle up.
  • Excessive speeds. Close to 30% of teenage accident fatalities involved speeding. Driving instructors discovered that speeding is one of student drivers’ three top errors when learning how to drive.

Was your teenager involved in a car accident?

If you have questions about pursuing a case, seek a legal opinion.

The Office of Michael R. De La Paz has successfully represented clients in car accident cases throughout Texas, including Houston, Padre Island and Corpus Christi. Arrange a free consultation to evaluate your potential case.