Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
The summer months may be some of the most exciting for our teens, but they can also be some of the most dangerous. Because they’re out of school and on summer break, kids get to spend more time behind the wheel, and that puts them at a greater risk for getting into a deadly car accident.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we find nine of the 10 deadliest days out of the year for teen drivers. During the months from May to June, we see an average of 13 teen fatalities a day out there on our roadways.
Our Oakland Park car accident attorneys understand that traffic accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for teens across the nation. This is partially because of their inexperience behind the wheel, and also because of their oblivion to the risks our roadways present. Parents and guardians can step in and speak up today to help raise awareness and share the education that our newly-licensed drivers need to stay safe out there.
Before you get started, make sure your teen driver knows what it expected of them. This can be done by enacting a parent-teen driving contract within your household. In this contract, make sure that you lay down rules for driving curfews, communication guidelines and passenger restrictions.
Parents should also consider the following safety tips for teen drivers:
-Make sure that you’re always setting the example. When your teen is riding along with you, be sure that both hands are on the wheel, cell phones are put away, your attention is on the road and that you’re following all road laws. Parents are the most influential people in a teen driver’s career. Lead by example.
-Give your teen plenty of supervised driving time. Ride along with them often to make sure that they’re doing all they’re supposed to. Ride along with them in different weather and traffic conditions to help ensure that they’re prepared for whatever is thrown at them. You don’t want them to face any surprises out there behind the wheel.
-Make sure their vehicle is well maintained. Keeping their vehicle in good-running condition is going to help to keep them safe out there. (Do the same for your own vehicle while you’re at it.)
-Have a talk with the parents of your teens’ friends. Make sure that all the adults are on the same page and are advocating for safe driving.
-Keep communication channels open. Make sure you know where they’re going, who they’re going with and when they can be expected home. Knowing their whereabouts serves as an excellent deterrent to poor decisions.
If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, call Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez — 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
South Florida Teens at High Risk of Traffic Collisions Through Graduation, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, May 9, 2013
Car Accidents and Teenage Fatalities on the Rise in Florida, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, April 30, 2013