In an attempt to lower fatality rates with teen drivers, a new survey has enumerated the four largest contributing forces to teen crashes.

State Farm and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia backed the National Young Driver Survey, a questionnaire completed by 5,665 teen drivers that aimed to illuminate the causes of young drivers’ mistakes. According to the results, 84% of crashes involving teens can be blamed on their four factors.

The first factor listed was the teenager’s inexperience driving. The study asked that teen drivers wait 6 to 12 months before letting friends ride along with them, as at least two-thirds of all fatal teen crashes can be blamed on driver error.

Secondly, distractions presented to the driver contributed heavily to fatal crashes with teens. The study blamed multiple passengers and cell phones, regular or hands-free models, for the three to five times increase in deathly collisions.

The third cause in the study was speeding. Males between the ages of 15 and 20 are caught speeding in 38% of fatal incidents.

Fatigue and drowsiness are the fourth factor. Teens coming back from late-night activities at school or their friends’ houses can pose a serious danger.

If you or someone you love has lost someone because of another driver’s error, contact the Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today by calling 610-667-7511 to discuss your claim.