Teenage Drivers at High Risk of Head Injuries in Accidents

California personal injury lawyers have noted a new study that shows, a significant number of teenage drivers who are involved in accidents suffer head injuries. According to the study, approximately 30% of all teenage motorists involved in serious car accidents suffer from head injuries, including skull fractures, concussions as well as traumatic brain injuries.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance. The researchers looked at approximately 55,000 teenage car drivers and passengers who were involved in accidents in 2009 and 2010.

The results of the study are extremely concerning, because significant head injuries like traumatic injury can have long-term effects. The injury can severely impact concentration abilities, cognitive skills, and lead to memory loss. These deficiencies can impact a teenage motorist’s quality of life, making it harder for him to concentrate on school. These students may find it more difficult to gain a foothold during the college admissions process, and this could impact their chances of good employment.

That's why it’s so important to prevent serious head injuries in accidents involving teenage motorists. The researchers suggest that states can help protect teenage motorists by closing the gaps in graduated driver’s licensing programs. For instance, the minimum age for a provisional license must be reduced to 16, and nighttime driving and teenage passenger restrictions must be strengthened in order to reduce the risk of accidents.

Additionally, more teenage lives can be saved in car accidents and catastrophic injuries can be prevented, if teens buckle up while driving. Safety seat belt use among teenage motorists is alarmingly low. Parents also have a big role to play in teen safety. Parents must discuss safe driving practices like speed control and detection of driving hazards, with their teenage children.