Teens or Senior Citizens – Who increases the risks of road accidents?

According to a recent survey, 2015 was a deadly year for drivers. When compared to 2008, the number of accidents in 2015 increased by two folds. It was estimated that more than 38000 people were killed in accidents. And, around 4 million people suffered serious physical injuries. The trend didn’t stop with 2015. The number of road accidents increased by 18% between the years 2015 and 2016. This makes the road an unsafe place for everyone. Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, doesn’t really matter. The number of deaths and injuries are on the rise.

Experts reveal that texting behind the wheel, extreme weather conditions, and drunken driving are three major reasons behind road accidents. The risks of an accident are high when a senior citizen or a teenager drives. With this being said, who increases the chances of a road accident? Would it be the teens or elders? Now, this is an interesting question that can help in reducing the percentage of road incidents.

Road accidents are controlled by several factors. In fact, it differs from one state to another. Some claim that “states” with strict road rules and penalties experience fewer incidents. Yet, these are subjective opinions. Fatal accidents caused by teenage drivers and senior citizens was high in Montana. The numbers were 31.6 and 23.6 respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage of car accidents caused by teenage drivers was higher than senior citizens. This was a common trend in most states. With nearly 32 vehicle incidents for every 100,000 local citizens, the numbers were quite high and bad amongst teenage drivers. But, does this make teenage drivers the only risky ones? Can people above the age of 75 be safe drivers? The answer would be a big “No”. When it comes to driving and accidents, both senior citizens and teens are dangerous.

Factor #1 - Alcohol

The chances of an accident increase with alcohol. Driving under influence is a serious issue in all states. However, the risks are pretty high in Montana, Wyoming, and Delaware. A study revealed that 30+ people die every day due to DUI cases. The number is increasing at a steady rate. More than 31% of all the accidents in the United States of America are caused due to bad alcoholic habits. Senior citizens or teenagers, the risks of drinking and driving are very high. The count of DUI cases caused by teenagers is higher than the contribution made by senior citizens. In fact, the margins are very high.

Learn More: What is DUI Insurance?

Factor #2 - Drugs

In addition to alcohol, many accidents are caused by people who consume “narcotics”. This includes famous drugs like marijuana. A study reveals that 1 in every 6 students with access to a car was driving under the influence of drugs. These students didn’t stop with alcohol. This has increased the number of road accidents in Wyoming and Vermont high. Once again, the risk posed by teens was greater than senior drivers. On average, senior citizens from Indiana, Tennessee, and New Hampshire were troublemakers on the road.

It is quite interesting to note that the risks caused by teenage and senior drivers were distributed. With respect to young drivers, the state of Montana, North Dakota, and Texas are risky. And, senior drivers have made Arizona, North Carolina, and Texas a tough spot for drivers. There is a huge difference in the number of incidents caused by young and senior drivers. For example, the maximum number of deadly incidents caused by senior drivers in Arizona is 148.3. Meanwhile, teens have caused around 237.4 accidents in Glacier, Montana.

Factor #3 - Gender

Gender is another interesting factor that affects the total number of accidents caused. In both senior and teenage drivers, women have caused fewer fatal accidents than men. In fact, men engage in more traffic violations and DUI Charges too. This could be because men drive more than women.

Preventing Accidents

Driving is definitely a responsible activity. The dangers on any road can be reduced with some safety precautions. Here are few ways to cut down the risks of a fatal accident:

1. Both teens and senior citizens should wear seat belts.
2. Drivers must not be encouraged to drive on tough road conditions.
3. Teens and elders should be trained on how to avoid accidents.
4. Texting and calling behind the wheels should be avoided.