National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 17th – 23rd, marking a great time for parents to have an honest conversation with their teen drivers about staying safe on the road.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens, led by things including alcohol use, inconsistent seatbelt use, risky driving, and distraction. If you have a teen driver, take time this week to talk to them about their driving habits to help keep them – and everyone else on the road – safer.
Reckless and Distracted Driving
Two of the biggest risks for teen drivers are dangerous driving and distraction. Dangerous driving includes:
- Speeding
- Erratic lane changes
- Failure to signal intent
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
It is normal for teens to take risks and push boundaries. There are times when such behavior is both useful and necessary. While driving is not one of those times. Teens often feel invulnerable. Be honest with yours about the real dangers of reckless driving.
Distraction is a leading cause of traffic accidents regardless of age, but teens often face larger and more significant distractions. Combine this with inexperience and feeling invulnerable, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Teens are more likely to have a car full of friends. This in and of itself can lead to distraction and inattention. Talk to your teen about safe driving with friends in the car to give them the tools they need to do so responsibly. And remember, cellphone use while driving is one of the most common causes of accidents. Teens are often on their devices, some even live streaming while they drive, placing themselves at increased risk for serious or fatal injury. Encourage your teen to put their phone down while they drive or consider placing parental controls on the device that allow you to turn it off remotely. One in four accidents in the United States involves cellphone use. Help protect your teen from becoming a statistic.
Has Your Teen Been Injured?
Despite some common teen driving behaviors, teens are not always to blame for accidents. If your teen has been injured in an automobile accident, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer to get a more comprehensive understanding of your rights and options.
Do you need help? Call Kelleher Law at 833-546-3675 to schedule a free consultation at our Fort Myers or Naples office today.
