Turning sixteen and getting a driver’s license in the eyes of a younger teen is like the pinnacle of his or her life experience. Getting a license means freedom. It is a time when teens learn responsibility—and when parents’ worry increases. Even though being a new driver is exciting, there are dangers that come along with driving. New teen drivers are not as experienced in avoiding accidents or defensive driving. Sometimes, they get nervous, jumpy, and can cause accidents.
Too Many Teen Deaths
Unfortunately, there are roughly 50,000 teen fatalities each year caused by motor vehicle accidents. This number includes ages 15 to 24. Sure, teenagers have great reflexes and can react quickly to almost anything, but as the statistics show, fast reflexes and common sense just aren’t enough.
Teens are easily distracted by:
- The friends they ride around with
- The music they blare on the stereo
- The phones they use to text with while driving
Safety Recommendations for Teens & Parents
Some teens believe they are invincible—like nothing can touch them. However, when they don’t wear their seatbelts, have loud friends in the backseat daring them to do crazy things, and when alcohol or drowsiness are in the picture, things have the potential to be fatal. If you add driving in darkness to the mix, things can get risky.
Here are some safety tips for teen drivers and their parents:
- It is always recommended that teens wait three to six months before they allow passengers in their vehicles.
- Avoiding and preventing car accidents caused by teen recklessness starts in the home. Creating “household driving rules” is extremely beneficial. It will keep your teen and all the other motorists safer.
- Have your teen sign a driving contract. The contract would make the rules more concrete in his or her mind.
- Teens follow by example, so make sure that if you have a teen, you are obeying the rules of the road and being safe, as well.
It Starts With You
You may not realize this, but you might be one of your kid’s greatest role models. Your kid may be taking more notice of your actions than you think. That is why you should model safe driving behavior.
Unfortunately, bad things befall us every day. If you find yourself the victim of an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact one of the experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Steinberg Injury Lawyers Injury Lawyers at (800) 989-6385.
Be sure to order a FREE copy of our report, Distracted Teen Driving- A Guide & Contract for Parents.
