Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
We posted recently on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog that teen drivers have the spotlight during Teen Safe Driving Week as part of National Safety Month because they have the greatest risk of any age group to be involved in a car accident in Miami, Margate or West Palm Beach.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers recommend that parents with teens preparing to drive check out the new state specific AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety. This online tool offers plenty of helpful information to both Florida teens and their parents in the learning-to-drive process from what to do before they start driving to the time they start driving on their own.
A quick overview of the site:
-Your teen should understand the risks involved with driving before they get behind the wheel. Teens represent 7 percent of the licensed population but are involved in 20 percent of all fatal crashes. The risks of a teen crash increases with other teens riding in the car, especially at night. Teens should also learn about the licensing process. For instance, what is needed, what is required and at what age they can acquire a learner’s license, intermediate license, and full license. Insurance is another important part of teens beginning to drive because there is such a high risk for an accident. Getting the right coverage at a price that is affordable is a challenge, but there are cost-saving strategies that can be utilized. Remember, all Florida drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage coverage for auto insurance.
-An important part of the learning process is driving with supervision. Supervise your teen while they practice in low-risk conditions, and as they gain confidence, present more difficult situations for them to handle. Parents also need to determine whether a teen needs their own vehicle at this stage. Vehicle type, safety features, affordability, reliability and familiarity are all things to be considered when shopping for a vehicle for your teen driver. Learning to drive takes a commitment from both the parent and teen driver, so be prepared and be patient throughout the process.
-Driving alone is the final step of the learning process. Make sure your teen is aware of the dangers of speeding, driving under the influence, driving with peers in the car, distracted driving and driving in poor weather conditions before they branch out on their own. Parents should reiterate to their teens that driving is a privilege, and with the freedom comes responsibility. Before your teen begins driving solo, you should establish a Start Smart Parent Teen Driving Agreement.
To access Florida licensing and state laws, click here to view.
For a free driving lesson, visit the Keys 2 Drive website.
Contact a car accident attorney at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC if your teen has been involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie or the surrounding areas. Call 1-800-561-7777 to make a free no-obligation appointment today.
Additional Resources:
Holiday Weekends Bring Increased Risk of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Throughout the State, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, May 27, 2011
Fatal South Florida Teen Car Accident a Tragic Reminder of Summer Danger, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer Blog, May 31, 2011
Advocates Warn Teens of Large Truck Accidents in West Palm and Elsewhere, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, June 8, 2011