In today’s time, it is very common to see a number of teenagers on the roads driving different cars. It is extremely illegal even to drive vehicles at such a young age. The parents must make sure that they tell their children to stay cautious and start driving at the age where it is legal.
After an accident, when the damage is done, it must be known to people that it is usually the parents that have to deal with the aftermath of the accident. The legal processes get more difficult, even though there are some restrictions, but it still can be tough to deal with.
A car accident lawyer can help you with the legal processes and can make it easy for you to maneuver through different processes.
Statistics: Understanding the Risks
It is very important to have a look at the statistics before we dive into the safety measures that must be taken in case of car accidents involving teenagers.
The main reason why accidents are so high is because new drivers don’t know what they’re doing. They might not think it’s dangerous, or they might not be aware of what’s going on.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times as likely to cause a fatal accident as drivers over the age of 20.
One of the major risks that cause accients by teenagers is the incorrect or no use of seatbelts. With that, there is a lot of distracted driving happening on the roads, including the use of electronic devices, including mobile phones.
In teenagers, the use of drugs and drinking has been very common. People aged from 15 to 20 are seen to be under the influence, which impacts their driving, causes accidents, and puts other people’s lives at risk.
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Even though it is not right to give safety tips to teenagers who should not be driving cars in the first place, here are some for those who do not think much about their lives.
- A seatbelt is one of the most important safety measures. All teenagers must put on their seatbelts whenever they are either driving or being taken by another car, insisting that all passengers in their cars also make use of their belts.
- When you drive fast, you can crash easily. Overspeeding is one of the biggest risks that cause accidents. Teens must follow imposed speed limits and observe all traffic signs and indications while driving.
- One of the important rules for teen drivers is that they must refrain from distractions of all kinds. This means that they should not indulge themselves by using phones or text messaging people when they are in the driving seat. The use of phones on the passenger seat is even worse if seen closely.
- It is best to limit the number of passengers in the car as this can be a reason for causing accidents. One of the major distractions for new drivers can be the passengers if there are more of them than there should be. So, it becomes a big risk for people who have their newly made license or are driving for the first time.
- Driving under different circumstances, like during the night, in heavy traffic, or bad weather, may help the teen driver to gain more experience. However, it should be done in phases, and preferably with one experienced driver going along with them for the company to commence with.
- Technology can be a distraction, but it can be a great tool for safety. The applications that are there to provide navigation can be very helpful while driving.
- The maintenance of the vehicle is also very important and essential in order to keep the car or vehicle in good condition. It is important that you keep a check on the oil levels in the car and the tire pressure and make sure that the lights of the car are working fine.
- Driving instructions must be clear to the driver in order to keep all those present on the road safe and sound. The handling of the vehicle, the risks on the road, and other dangers that can distract the driver must be known to them properly. This ensures that the driver and the passengers traveling with them are safe.
Conclusion
Teenage driving comes with its risks, and this must be kept in mind by the parents if they give their children the hold of the car. By the above-given tips, teenage drivers can ensure that they take care of the safety of others on the roads. It is essential to ensure that all measures have been taken care of before the teenager goes out to drive.