Just about every day, we get into our cars and drive to work, to run errands, to pick up the kids at soccer practice or to meet up with friends for dinner. In many cases, we are more concerned with getting where we need to be on time than we are with who we are sharing the road with.
In Tennessee and across the United States, certain driver groups statistically present higher accident risks due to specific behaviors or circumstances. Teen drivers (ages 16-19) are nearly three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes compared to older drivers, largely due to inexperience, risk-taking behaviors, and susceptibility to distractions. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly increase accident risks, with alcohol involvement factoring in approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities. Distracted drivers, particularly those texting while driving, are 23 times more likely to crash. Other high-risk categories include aggressive drivers who speed or follow too closely, fatigued drivers experiencing reaction times comparable to intoxicated drivers, elderly drivers with diminished sensory abilities, and commercial vehicle operators who may face fatigue from long hours. Understanding these risk factors can help all motorists practice defensive driving techniques when sharing the road.
Which driver is most likely to cause an accident?
The fact is, every driver on the road has the potential to cause an accident. It may be one that could have been prevented or a complete fluke, but the risk of getting into a crash is very real. However, learning which drivers are most likely to cause an accident could help people be more aware on the road. It could also help those drivers who are at a higher risk of causing an accident assess their own driving behaviors before an accident occurs.
According to statistics, drivers between the ages of 16 and 29 cause the most accidents. This may be unsurprising, as this group consists largely of novice drivers, college students and young adults.
As drivers get older, the number of crashes per miles driven declines steadily. Again, this may be unsurprising, as older drivers may be more cautious.
However, the rate of crashes increases for drivers who are around the age of 70 and it only goes up from there. This is and will continue to be a serious issue, as the number of seniors is expected to double between 2012 and 2050. By then, there will be an estimated 83.6 million senior drivers, many of whom will be licensed drivers.
Is age only a number? Does it matter?
It is important to note that being a certain age does not mean a person is a potentially dangerous driver. However, elderly drivers often struggle with vision problems, impaired coordination and reflexes, memory loss and confusion which can significantly impact their behaviors and capabilities behind the wheel.
With all of this in mind, it may be a good time to remind young drivers about safety while driving and reassess an elderly loved one’s driving abilities. Addressing potential issues before an accident happens can save lives and prevent the devastation of physical and emotional damages suffered by crash victims.
If you have suffered from another driver’s negligence, contact us today. We can help you with the claim and get the compensation you deserve. OEB Law, PLLC, the ones you know and trust. (865) 546-1111.
Why Trust Us
At OEB Law, our reputation speaks for itself:
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered significant compensation for our clients through both settlements and courtroom verdicts
- Client Satisfaction: Our numerous 5-Star Google Reviews showcase our commitment to responsive, caring, and effective legal representation
- No Fee Unless We Win: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we successfully secure compensation in your case
- Local Knowledge: As East Tennessee natives, we understand our community and care deeply about the people we serve
- Personalized Approach: We personalize each case to meet our clients’ specific needs, ensuring you’re never just another file number
Community Commitment
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom. We proudly support:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley programs and toy drives
- Local high school football programs through Rivalry Thursday sponsorships
- The Knoxville Ice Bears and community fundraising initiatives
- Numerous youth, student, and community organizations throughout East Tennessee
As Tim Elrod says, “We don’t just take—we give back because the people you’re giving back to are the people who are supporting your firm.“
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Tennessee has implemented specific laws targeting high-risk driving behaviors that frequently cause accidents. For distracted driving, the state enacted a hands-free law in 2019 that prohibits all drivers from holding or physically supporting any mobile device while operating a vehicle, with violations resulting in fines starting at $50 and increasing for subsequent offenses or in work/school zones. For impaired driving, Tennessee enforces strict DUI laws with a 0.08% BAC limit (0.04% for commercial drivers and zero tolerance for drivers under 21), carrying penalties including jail time, license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock devices for convicted offenders. Aggressive driving behaviors like speeding and following too closely are addressed through specific traffic laws with escalating penalties. Tennessee also requires additional testing for drivers over 95 seeking license renewal and implements graduated licensing programs for teen drivers with restrictions on night driving and passengers. Through these measures, the state attempts to reduce accidents caused by the statistically most dangerous drivers, though the effectiveness of enforcement varies across jurisdictions within the state.
