By Dan Noll on February 2nd, 2025 in Articles, Car Accident
Springfield Car Accident Lawyers Explain the Top Causes of Teen Car Accidents in Illinois
Teen car accidents are devastating and can lead to life-changing or life-threatening personal injuries. Unfortunately, more teenagers are injured in motor vehicle crashes than many people realize. According to statistics, car accidents are the leading cause of death of teenagers in the United States, causing roughly 2,800 traffic fatalities every year. Approximately another 227,000 teenagers are injured in traffic accidents every year too. In Illinois, statistics reveal that teenagers account for roughly 6.5% of all traffic fatalities and nearly 8% of all catastrophic injuries. Outside of these statistics for fatal and catastrophic injuries, the Springfield car accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office know that there are many more teenagers who also sustain injuries from car accidents. There are also many other victims who are not teenagers who are harmed by the causes of teen car accidents in Illinois too.
At the Noll Law Office, their compassionate legal team offers victims and their families dedicated representation to recover compensation for their personal injuries, lost wages, and medical bills. Whether you were injured in a teen car accident or not, speak with one of their compassionate and experienced car accident lawyers in Springfield to learn more about how they can help you and your family recover compensation. They offer free consultations with no obligation to sign up, and they only get paid after you get paid in a settlement, verdict, or another type of award.
Why Teens Are More Likely to be Involved in a Car Accident?
Statistics reveal that teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident then other motorists. This is a shocking statistic that is the result of several factors, many of which are completely controllable. As a result, this also means that many teen car accidents are also avoidable and therefore cause needless harm to victims.
Some of the most common reasons why teens are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident include the following:
Inexperience Behind the Wheel
A natural consequence of being a teen driver is just the lack of experience. Indeed, teen drivers lack the years of experience that help mature drivers anticipate dangerous situations and react appropriately. This inexperience often leads to poor decision-making in critical moments and delayed reaction times in emergency situations. Furthermore, many teens also underestimate certain factors (like snow and ice) when driving while overestimating their ability (their ability to get out of a slide), which are recipes for car accidents.
Brain Development and Risk Assessment
Biologically, teenage brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for judgment and decision-making. This biological factor makes teens more likely to underestimate dangerous situations and overestimate their ability to handle complex driving scenarios such as the snow and ice example above. But it also means that teens may be more impulsive and risk takers, which is another contributor to motor vehicle accidents.
Peer Pressure and Social Influence
Teenagers are highly susceptible to peer influence, which can lead to risky driving behaviors when passengers are present such as their friends that they are trying to impress. Other times teen drivers are trying to impress others on the road with their vehicle or their ability, in manners that are juvenile to us all but important status for teens – such as videoing racing, high speeds, and dangerous maneuvers for social media.
Common Causes of Teen Car Accidents in Illinois
The Springfield car accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office know that there are many serious and often fatal causes of teen car accidents in Illinois and the rest of the United States. Many of these causes are due to the negligence of a teen driver. Although there are many other factors that could contribute to an accident, such as a construction zone, third-party, municipal entity, or another party, teen drivers often have a large factor in causing a crash.
Some of the most common causes of teen accidents include the following:
Distracted Driving: Phone Use
Cell phone use remains one of the most dangerous distractions for teen drivers – and actually for all drivers. Whether texting, checking social media, or taking photos, these digital distractions take eyes, hands, and attention off the road for crucial seconds. Studies show that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times, making it particularly lethal for inexperienced teen drivers.
Distracted Driving: In-Car Distractions and Multitasking
Beyond phone use, teens are often distracted by various in-car activities. This includes adjusting music systems, programming GPS devices, eating or drinking, and reaching for objects. Even simple tasks like changing radio stations can lead to serious accidents when combined with inexperience. Other times more serious distractions like tablets, computers, and even gaming systems could result in catastrophic harm to victims and their families.
Social Distractions and Passenger Interference
The presence of teen passengers significantly increases crash risk. Conversations, horseplay, and showing off for friends can divert attention from driving. Statistics show that the risk of a fatal crash increases by 44% with one teen passenger and doubles with two or more teen passengers.
Excessive Speed and Aggressive Driving
Teen drivers often underestimate the dangers of speeding and aggressive driving behaviors. This includes not only exceeding posted limits but also racing, tailgating, and making unsafe passing maneuvers – especially around semi-tractor trailers and other big rigs. The combination of high speeds and inexperience frequently leads to loss of vehicle control and serious accidents.
Risk-Taking Behaviors and Traffic Violations
Teenagers are more likely to engage in deliberate risk-taking behaviors, such as running red lights, rolling through stop signs, or making illegal turns. These violations often stem from a combination of overconfidence and peer pressure, leading to dangerous situations on the road. Other times a teen driver may lack the experience and knowledge of the law, such as failing to yield in certain situations or turning into the wrong lane at a multi-turn intersection.
Substance Use and Impaired Driving
Despite strict laws and education programs, teens continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Inexperience with both driving and substance use creates a particularly dangerous combination, especially when teens are distracted. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can severely impact a teen’s already limited driving abilities.
Drowsy Driving and Fatigue
Many teens maintain busy schedules with school, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. Other times teen drivers will try to go out late at night after a long day, or will decide to stay out with friends much later than they should. This often leads to inadequate sleep and drowsy driving. Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time similarly to alcohol, yet many teens fail to recognize these dangers.
Weather and Environmental Challenges
Inexperienced teen drivers often struggle with adverse weather conditions, especially snow and ice. They may not understand how to adjust their driving for rain, snow, ice, or fog. Poor weather combined with inexperience frequently results in loss of vehicle control and accidents.
Night Driving Hazards
Limited visibility and increased fatigue make night driving particularly challenging for teens. Their inexperience with judging distances and speeds in darkness, combined with the higher presence of impaired drivers at night, creates dangerous conditions. In addition, other hazards such as animals in the road or debris that falls in the road but isn’t well-seen can also present dangers for inexperienced teen drivers. Indeed, teen drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes at night compared to during daylight hours.
Was One of these Causes of Teen Car Accidents the Reason for Your Crash? Call the Springfield Car Accident Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one were injured in a teen car accident, call the Noll Law Office for help. Teen car accidents remain a serious concern in Illinois, with devastating consequences for families and communities. The dedicated Springfield car accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office are prepared to help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries after a teen car accident. Contact their office for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options by dialing (217) 414-8889 or by sending a message here.