Younger drivers in South Carolina are much more likely to be involved in a crash than older drivers. According to the most recent statewide data, 31,551 drivers ages 20-24 were involved in crashes in one recent year, making them the age group with the most accidents. By contrast, only 1,538 drivers aged 85 and older were involved in crashes that same year, making them the least common age group involved in car accidents.
If you were hurt in a car accident, an experienced and knowledgeable Rock Hill car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation, justice, and accountability you deserve.
Which Age Group Is More Likely to Engage in Reckless Driving Behavior in South Carolina?
The available data suggest younger drivers are more likely to act recklessly behind the wheel and cause accidents. Not only are drivers ages 20-24 the most common age group for accidents in South Carolina overall, but they are also the most common age group for crashes with minor injuries (7,280 drivers compared with 421 drivers aged 85 and older).
While drivers ages 20-24 are not the age group with the most accidents involving severe or fatal injuries (at least according to the most recent data), the available figures still suggest younger drivers are more prone to reckless behavior while driving. According to state authorities, drivers ages 30-34 were the most common age group for crashes with severe injuries (404 drivers) and fatal injuries (188 drivers) in one recent year. Unsurprisingly, drivers aged 85 and older were the least common age group for crashes involving severe or fatal injuries, with 28 and 16 drivers, respectively.
National data supports these conclusions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of unintentional deaths nationwide among people ages 15-24 in one recent year. Additionally, drivers 20 and younger accounted for just over 5 percent of all licensed drivers nationwide in one recent year, yet they made up 8.5 percent of drivers in fatal collisions and 12.6 percent of drivers in all crashes.
The picture gets even worse when you focus on fatal collisions. According to NHTSA research, drivers ages 16-20 account for just under 45 percent of fatal collisions for every 100,000 licensed drivers. By contrast, drivers aged 65 and older account for a little over 15 percent of fatal crashes for every 100,000 licensed drivers.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents?
Common causes of teen driving accidents in South Carolina include the following:
- Inexperience – Teens often lack the driving experience needed to respond effectively to unexpected road situations or hazards, causing them to make mistakes that can cause crashes.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or interacting with passengers can take a teen’s attention away from the road and cause a collision.
- Speeding – Many teens ignore the dangers of speeding and fail to adjust their speed for weather and traffic conditions. This can cause them to lose control and collide with other cars.
- Impaired Driving – Underage drinking or drug use can cause accidents by impairing teen drivers’ judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
- Night Driving – Reduced visibility and fatigue make nighttime driving particularly risky for inexperienced drivers and make accidents more likely.
- Failure to Use Seat Belts – Research shows that teens increase their risk of sustaining severe injuries in a crash by being statistically less likely to wear seat belts.
- Overconfidence – Many young drivers overestimate their abilities, leading to risky maneuvers like tailgating or improper passing.
- Peer Pressure – Passengers, especially other teens, can encourage reckless behavior or distract the driver.
- Poor Hazard Recognition – Teens may struggle to identify potential risks that can cause a collision, such as sudden stops or changing traffic patterns.
- Weather Conditions – Inexperience with rain, snow, or fog can make it difficult for teen drivers to safely control their cars in bad weather.
- Improper Lane Changes – Misjudging the space or speed of other vehicles during lane changes is a common mistake among teens.
- Driving Under Stress – Collisions are more likely when teen drivers experience emotional stress, such as anger or anxiety, which can impair their focus and decision-making.
- Limited Knowledge of Traffic Laws – Misunderstanding or forgetting traffic rules can lead to accidents involving younger, inexperienced drivers.
Addressing these factors through education and safe driving habits can help reduce accidents among teen drivers.
Which Age Group Is Statistically More Likely to Be Killed in a South Carolina Car Wreck?
The age group with the highest number of drivers involved in fatal crashes in South Carolina is drivers ages 30-34. The reasons for this aren’t fully known, as drivers in this age group typically have a fair amount of experience behind the wheel. However, experience can sometimes lead to overconfidence behind the wheel. Furthermore, drivers ages 30-34 are as susceptible as any other age group to dangerous behaviors like distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. Drivers of all ages should be careful behind the wheel to avoid injuring themselves or others in a collision.
Do Men or Women Get Into More Car Accidents?
In South Carolina, male drivers are somewhat more likely to be involved in collisions than female drivers. According to the most recent data, 137,606 male drivers were involved in crashes, compared to 110,045 female drivers involved in crashes. That’s not a huge difference, but it still suggests that male drivers are more likely to engage in dangerous driving behaviors and should adjust their actions accordingly.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
No matter your age, a severe accident can ruin your life and leave you with significant financial burdens. The South Carolina car accident attorneys at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC have fought for the rights of accident victims since 1977, and we can help you recover the money you need to rebuild your life. Our lawyers can handle all the legal work in your case, and you don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
