According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 6 teenagers a day are killed in car accidents in the United States. These accidents are caused by 8 primary reasons that are all preventable. Talk to your teen before driving and explain these “danger zones” for teen drivers to help prevent them from becoming another statistic:
- Driver Inexperience
A teen driver is at the highest risk of causing a car accident during his or her first year with a driver’s license. To minimize this risk, parents can make sure their teen has extensive time to practice driving during different times of day and under varied weather, light, and traffic conditions. Parents can also explain the importance of always keeping an eye out on the road for unexpected bicyclists, pedestrians, or erratic behavior from other vehicles.
- Driving with Teen Passengers
Teen drivers are more likely to crash if they drive with other teens in the car. Different states have different Graduated Driver Licensing restrictions for new drivers. Many of these include restrictions on the age and number of passengers. Even if your state does not have these requirements, you as a parent can limit the number of teen passengers your child is allowed to have in the car especially during the first six months of driving.
- Night-time Driving
Fatal car crashes are most likely to occur at night for all drivers, but the risk is even higher for teens. Parents should make sure to practice nighttime driving with their child and consider a curfew of 9 or 10 pm at night for the first six months of licensed driving.
- Not Wearing Seatbelts
Research has established that wearing seatbelts greatly increases the chance of surviving a car crash. Parents should require that their teen drivers use seat belts every time they drive, no exceptions.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of teen accidents. Especially with all of the technology available to teens today, it is important that they know the importance of limiting those distraction while driving. Parents should warn their teens of the risks of distracted driving and make agreements with them about not using a cell phone or eating while driving.
- Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes every year. Teens are especially susceptible to this danger in the morning when they wake up early and drive to school or late at night after a party. Parents should make sure their teens get adequate rest before driving.
- Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is always risky, but research shows that teens in particular lack the judgment, maturity and experience to adequately assess risky situations. Parents should discuss the importance of speed limits with their teen and explain that different road conditions may require a sudden stop or a lower speed.
- Impaired Driving
It should go without saying, but even one drink increases the risk of a crash. Parents should be a good role model for their children and never drink and drive.
Good communication is an important first step in keeping your teen driver safe. Alexander Law Group, LLC is here to help if you or your loved one is ever involved in a car accident. We help clients and their families receive proper compensation for their pain and suffering. You can reach one of our San Francisco personal injury attorneys at 888.777.1776, or you can contact us online.
