Drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are consistently involved in the highest rate of car accidents and fatal crashes compared to other age groups. Younger drivers, especially teens and young adults, have higher crash rates per mile driven due largely to inexperience and risk-related behaviors.
That said, being part of a higher-risk age group does not automatically make someone legally responsible for a crash. If you were injured in a collision involving a younger driver, speaking with a Denver car accident attorney can help you understand how fault and compensation are determined under Colorado law.
What age group causes the most car accidents, and why?
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers aged 16 to 24 have the highest rate of involvement in fatal car accidents. Higher crash rates among young drivers are closely linked to inexperience, distracted driving, lower seat belt use, and higher rates of risky behaviors behind the wheel.
Driving involves completing multiple tasks, both executive and physical, simultaneously, and often requires split-second decisions. These reflexes come with experience, and teen drivers simply don’t have them yet.
Distracted driving is a common cause of car wrecks, especially among 16-24-year-old drivers. These accidents often result from phone use while driving, such as texting, checking social media, or using navigation apps. Riding in a car with friends also introduces distractions that take attention away from the road and other drivers.
Rates of alcohol- and drug-related crashes are higher among young adult drivers than among most other age groups, which increases the risk of serious injury in a car crash. Rates of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are higher for this age group than for others.
What other age groups most often cause accidents?
The other age group with a higher rate of crash involvement is drivers 65 and older, but for different reasons. Older drivers, too, may not have the quick reflexes that younger, but still experienced, drivers have.
Drivers over 65 face higher risks of being involved in accidents compared to middle-aged drivers. With aging comes a decline in vision, hearing, reaction time, and cognitive processing. Medical conditions and many types of prescription medications may further affect driving ability.
However, with age comes discernment and a greater appreciation for safety; many older drivers drive more slowly and cautiously, often to compensate for their decreased abilities. And, avoiding nighttime driving, with lower visibility, also lowers their risk of a collision.
Why does knowing what age groups are more likely to cause a crash matter?
Keeping an eye out for potentially risky behavior is part of being a smart driver. Maintaining extra distance and driving defensively can reduce the likelihood of being involved in an avoidable crash.
If you’re involved in a wreck with a teen driver, it may be their first crash, which can make insurance claims and liability issues more complicated. Then, there’s Colorado’s family car doctrine, which holds parents or guardians responsible for damage their teen driver causes while driving a family vehicle. Liability can get more complicated and often requires a lawyer to sort it out.
Get the legal help you need after a car crash
Car accidents can cause serious injuries regardless of who is behind the wheel. Under Colorado’s at-fault system, injured drivers are required to show that another party was at least 50% responsible for the crash in order to pursue compensation.
Zara Injury Law helps people injured in car accidents understand their legal options and what steps may be available after a collision. If you were hurt in a crash and have questions about fault or compensation, you can call (866) 823-8288 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.