Night time Driving is Hazardous for Vermont & New Hampshire Teen Drivers

When you think about teen drivers and Vermont car accidents, you probably assume that alcohol, speed or some other similar factor played a role. According to a national 10-year study, these aren’t the greatest risks faced by young drivers – it’s nighttime driving. However, there is more to it than that, as researchers believe that talking and texting on cell phones makes driving after dark even more dangerous for teens.

The study was done by the Texas Transportation Institute and the findings were released in the beginning of May 2010. Researchers discovered that the proportion of fatal accidents at night involving 16- to 19-year-olds went up 10 percent from 1999 to 2008. During that same time period, fatal crashes also increased for drivers 20 years and older, but that is believed to be due to alcohol use.

The study authors believe that the trend in traffic fatalities among teen drivers at night is linked to distracted driving. Teens are comfortable with their cell phones and often don’t see the danger of using these devices while driving. Many other studies have found that the use of cell phones serves as a major driving distraction and can impair the mind’s ability to react to sudden road hazards.

“We know driving at night is dangerous. We know using a cell phone behind the wheel compromises your ability to drive. Put those together and you’ve created a perfect storm,” said Bernie Fette, senior research specialist for the Texas Transportation Institute.

Fette went on to say in an article by the Associated Press that nighttime driving is associated with inherent risks of decreased visibility and slower response due to driver fatigue. For inexperienced teen drivers, these risks are even higher at night.

There has been a movement over the recent years to raise the awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.

If you have been hurt in a Vermont or New Hampshire car accident, we may be able to help you. Contact one of our experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Van Dorn & Curtiss, PLLC at (877) 611-9622. You can also fill out our online contact form.

Be sure to order your copy of our free book, Navigating the Minefield: The Essential Guide to Your Vermont or New Hampshire Accident Case. This book will answer many of the questions that you might have following a serious accident.