Making Teen Drivers Safer on the Road
Teen drivers are younger and inexperienced. Teen drivers learn that driving is a privilege and that driving aggressively is dangerous. Many teen drivers are safe and responsible when they drive. However, teen drivers comprise 14 percent of the population, yet they account for 30 percent of the costs of car accident injuries for men and 28 percent for women. Under Florida law, they may be considered negligent if they were driving recklessly. If you have a teen driver, this article will give you tips for ensuring your teen is safe when behind the wheel.
Teen Drivers at Higher Risk for Accidents
Ultimately, teens are less likely to recognize or underestimate dangerous situations. Teens lack the experience to respond quickly and safely to or drive appropriately in inclement weather. Teen drivers are also less likely to allow enough distance between them and the car in front of their car.
Tips to Help Your Teen Drive Safely
If you have teen drivers, there are some things you can do to help encourage your teen to drive safely:
- Set an Example and Drive Safe – You teen will follow your example. If you speed and drive aggressively with your teen in the car, then your teen may not take warnings about speeding seriously. Being a safe driver in front of your teen shows your young driver that driving is a serious responsibility.
- Set up Rules and Consequences for Breaking Rules – Create rules for teen drivers. Make sure that they understand they must follow traffic rules and drive sober. Be ready to take away driving privileges if your teen breaks the rules.
- Discourage Passengers – Simply driving in the car with other teens increases the risk of a car accident. Studies have shown that the risk of accidents increases with the number of teens in the car. It may be a good idea to limit your teen’s passengers until they have more experience driving.
- Have others tell your Teen to be a Safe Driver – Make sure that your teen talk to someone besides you about safe driving. A family friend or even a safety instruction class will be a good way for your teen to learn about being safe when they drive. If a family friend offers to help they can serve as a good resource for you teen.
Contact an Lawyer
Even if you take all these steps, your teen may still cause a car accident or be involved in an accident caused by a friend. If your teen was injured in a car accident caused by another teen driver and you need assistance, contact the Miami car accident lawyers at Pita Weber Del Prado. We can advise you on the best course of action to recover to ensure your teen recovers fully. Please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
