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Teen drivers: 2 factors that contribute to crashes

On Behalf of | Feb 3, 2025 | Car Accidents

Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone for many teens, but it comes with considerable responsibility. All teens must take safety seriously because there’s always a risk of catastrophic crashes occurring. 

Many risk factors can contribute to teen drivers causing crashes. Two of these are specifically covered by the requirements of graduated licensing in this state.

1. Passengers in the vehicle

Passengers in a vehicle are a huge distraction for drivers, but teens may be tempted to give in to peer pressure from others in the vehicle. They may also be tempted to have conversations or become engrossed in the conversations that are going on in the vehicle.

Because of the dangers that come with new drivers having passengers in a vehicle, Oregon has instituted limits for new drivers through graduated licensing, which applies to all drivers who are under 18 years old. 

For the first six months, they can’t have anyone under 20 years old in the vehicle with them unless the individuals are their immediate family members. For months seven through 12 of having a license, they can only have up to three people who are 20 or younger unless those passengers are immediate family members. 

2. Time of day

Driving on the weekends and at night is dangerous for teen drivers. Weekends are when around 53% of fatal wrecks that involve teens occur. Around 49% of all car wrecks that involve teens occur from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The graduated licensing requirement in Oregon limits when drivers can drive for the first 12 months they have their license. Unless they’re in one of four specific situations, they can’t drive from midnight to 5 a.m. The four exceptions include:

  • They have a driver with them who is at least 25 years old
  • They have to drive for employment purposes
  • They are driving between work and home
  • They are driving between a school event and home when there isn’t any transportation provided

Any victim of a crash that’s the result of another driver’s negligence, even if the driver was a teen, can opt to pursue a compensation claim. These cases seek to recover the financial damages the victim has to deal with because of the wreck. There are time limits that apply, so any victim who wants to take action should do so quickly. They may benefit from seeking the assistance of an individual who’s familiar with these matters.