On Monday afternoon, a fatal crash in Candler took the life of 15-year-old Christopher Taylor. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the one-car collision happened at Reeves Cove Road. Law enforcement officials report that the driver, another teen, lost control of the vehicle, over corrected and then struck a tree. Taylor was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries. No charges have been filed, but the wreck remains under investigation.
Taylor was a football player at Enka High School, and had attended a practice session earlier in the day. He was going to start his sophomore school year this fall. The school district will be providing crisis support personal and counseling services for any students or staff members that request them.
Teens Injured in Car Accidents
Although young people, ages 15-24 years old, only represent 14 percent of the population, they account for 30 percent of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28 percent of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females.
U.S. Teen Driver Safety Facts
- In 2010, seven teens, ages 16 to 19 years old, died from motor vehicle wrecks each day.
- Per vehicle mile driven, teen drivers are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.
- In 2010, 2,700 teens, ages 16 to 19, were killed in car crashes.
- Nearly 282,000 teens were treated for injuries resulting from car accidents in 2010.
Risk Factors for Teen Drivers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that there are three risk factors which can greatly increase the risk for motor vehicle crashes involving teen drivers. Risk factors include newly licensed teens, male teen drivers and passengers and teens driving with teen passengers.
Teen Driver Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers teens and parents a variety of resources to improve teen driver safety. Their “Parents Central” area has in-depth information on some of the most common safety problems novice drivers are likely to face. The team at Davis Law Group, P.A. sends their deepest condolences to the family members, friends and classmates of Christopher Taylor.