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Teen Driving Month: Common Causes of Teen Accidents in Florida

Drivers aged 16-19 have a higher risk of becoming involved in a car crash than drivers of any other age group. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “Teen drivers in this age group have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older per mile driven”[1]. Why is this age group so at-risk for accidents? Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why teenage drivers crash:

One of the biggest reasons teen drivers are so at-risk for accidents is inexperience. Driving, like any other skill, tends to improve the more someone does it. Newly licensed drivers often lack the knowledge of how to best react in a situation. They may make a split-second decision that turns out to be wrong and causes an accident.

Distractions are also a cause of teen driver accidents. Driving with other teens in the car can be a large distraction, as can eating or drinking, texting while driving, or listening to loud music. Teens can overestimate their ability to multitask while driving and end up colliding with another vehicle.  

Teen drivers can have a propensity to make risky decisions. For example, they may tailgate, slow down rather than stop at a stop sign, or not signal before changing lanes. Speeding is also a problem with some teen drivers. Moreover, speeding is such a common problem, both with teens and adults, that Florida recently passed a new super-speeder law. The law makes driving more than 50 mph above the speed limit, or more than 100 mph, a crime punishable by a 30-day jail sentence and/or a $500 fine[2].

If your teen is involved in an accident, whether or not they are at-fault, they should check if anyone in the other car is injured and then call 911. If they are physically able, they should also take photos and videos of the car damage and the whole accident scene. It’s also important to seek medical care as soon as possible after the accident. As their parent, it’s important that you remain strong and supportive for them, since they will likely be panicked and afraid of what will happen next. Encourage them to be truthful and factually accurate in all their conversations with the police and their attorney.

If your teen is involved in a motor vehicle accident in South Florida, contact ECanter Lawyers for expert legal advice at 561-447-4500.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For a quarter of a century, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

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[1] CDC. Teen Drivers | Teen Drivers | CDC. Accessed September 3, 2025.

[2] Florida House of Representatives. Florida House of Representatives – FlHouse.gov. Accessed September 3, 2025.