Hyperactivity linked to risky driving behavior

Over the past several decades, there has been a widespread increase in the number of children and teenagers diagnosed with attention disorders, autism or other forms of hyperactivity. One new research study suggests that adolescents with hyperactivity issues are more likely to be involved in car accidents due to their condition.

Car Accident Research

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania studied 60 participants who ranged in age between 16 and 17. These volunteers had all just been given their driver’s license within the past 90 days, and they were all asked to practice driving on a simulator device. The researchers discovered that adolescents that were more hyperactive were more likely to take greater risks on the road. Conversely, teenagers that reported more depressive symptoms were more likely to be overly cautious.

Why These Findings Are Important

These statistics are important because car accidents are the leading cause of death for those aged 16 to 19 in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quotes that 2,333 teenagers were killed in accidents in 2015 alone. The same year, 235,845 young adults were admitted to emergency rooms for accident-related injuries.

Personal Injury Attorneys in New Jersey

The personal injury attorneys at Team Law have been focusing on assisting victims injured in car accidents for over 60 years. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, then we welcome you to contact our team of legal attorneys to determine your legal options for pursuing your case. Contact our law office at 1-800-832-6529.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.