We’re familiar with the excitement about getting a license as a teenager. It’s a rite of passage that gives a teenager more independence. But teenagers may not recognize that this is also a responsibility. They need to be alert, in control, and safe when they’re behind the wheel. When they’re not, it can result in a car accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, a Lexington car accident injury lawyer from the Law Office of Todd W. Burris can help. We’re ready to stand up for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Teen Driver Accident Statistics
Teenage drivers lack experience on the road and will most likely not know how to respond in emergency situations or will put themselves at risk of causing a car accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported statistics about teenage driver car accident statistics. They found the following:
- 2,333 teenagers between the ages of 16-19 were killed in 2015.
- 235,845 teenagers had to go to the hospital to treat their car accident injuries.
- Risk of accidents increase when a teenager is driving with other teen passengers.
- Newly licensed teenagers have a high crash risk during their first months of owning a license.
Because of their risk for car accidents, it’s important to provide your teen with driving education and tips about being a safe driver.
How Can You Help Your Teen Be a Safer Driver?
While this may sound daunting, there are six simple ways for you to help your teen be a safe driver. This includes education about risks, being an example and role model, and setting boundaries.
- Stress the Importance of Using a Seatbelt. Sometimes a seatbelt is the difference between a few minor car accident injuries and being ejected through the windshield. It will also help if your teen sees you buckling up every time as well.
- No Distracted Driving. Everyone travels with their phone, and your teen probably won’t be any different. It’s important to educate them about how texting and driving is illegal and a huge danger to everyone on the road.
- No Drunk Driving. Teenagers often deal with peer pressure and sometimes that involves alcohol. It’s vital for them to know how alcohol affects driving, and that they should never get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking or get in the car with a drunk driver.
- Set an Example. If your teenager sees you driving safely, they will have a strong example of how they should drive. Following the speed limit, leaving plenty of space between you and other cars, and using your signal are all excellent habits for your teen to observe.
- Set a Passenger Limit. A car full of teenagers means it’s full of distractions. A passenger limit will still let your teen drive with a friend or a couple of friends, but not too much that will make them an unsafe driver.
- Be Wary of Night Driving. Night driving has some more difficulties than day driving, like getting used to the low visibility. Your teen may need more time to build up driving experience before they’re driving after dark.
Instilling these tips above will help your teen be safer and there’s a chance they will become good driving examples to their friends. When teenagers are safer drivers, everyone on the road benefits.
