Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
We’re halfway through the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), July 15th marked the middle of this dangerous time. Looking back on historical trends, these are the 100 days that we see the most teen motorists fatalities. About 600 people were probably killed in young-driver accidents since Memorial Day.
Our Belle Glade car accident lawyers understand that car accidents are still the number one cause of death for teens across the county. In helping to reduce these risks, there are many things we can do. It’s all about making sure that these newly-licensed drivers are provided with a solid foundation to help to develop safe driving habits for a lifetime.
First, we must understand the risks to help to solve the problem.
Teen Driver Risks:
-Over half of all teenagers that were killed in a motor-vehicle accident were not wearing a seat belt at the time of impact.
-About 40 percent of collisions occur at night. Most of them happen before midnight.
-The more passengers a teen driver has in their vehicle, the higher the risks are for an accident.
-Teens are among the age group that is most likely to engage in electronic distractions behind the wheel. Unfortunately, about 70 percent of all teens text while driving.
Each year, there are roughly 900,000 accidents in which a teen driver is involved. If you break that down, that’s close to 3,000 accidents a day. These drivers are actually more likely to be involved in a fatal accident that any other group of drivers on the road.
Helping Teen Drivers:
-Make sure you are spending plenty of time in their vehicles. We’re talking about supervised driving time and it could wind up saving their life. Supervised driving time allows parents the opportunity to correct any dangerous behaviors that their teen driver may be engaging in.
-Always set a good example. When your teen driver is in the vehicle with you while you’re driving, make sure you’re following all of the road laws and you’re displaying safe, cautious and alert driving habits. You are one of the most influential people in a young driver’s life.
-Consider creating a parent-teen driving contract. This way you can lay down all of the rules and expectations for your teen. Make sure you include the consequences for breaking these rules as well. Have all parties involved sign the agreement.
-Make sure that your teen understands the importance of vehicle maintenance. This is not only to help the longevity of their vehicle — it can help them to avoid a roadside mishap as well.
-Talk with the parents of your teen’s friends. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Make sure you know where other parents stand on teen driver safety and be sure to share your feelings with them, too.
If you or someone you love was injured, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp, & Gonzalez at 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Causes Accident in Royal Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, July 20, 2013
Car Insurance Myths: How Good is Your Coverage?, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, July 13, 2013