How to Protect New Teen Drivers

One of the classic hallmarks of growing up is getting a driver’s license. For many teenagers, this is a start for independence. While it’s an exciting time, teenagers still need to build up their driving experience. They don’t know that losing focus for a second or ignoring a problem with their car could end in an accident. Young drivers need to have access to information that educates them how to stay safe on the road.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may have injuries that are causing you pain, preventing you from doing your job, or from living your life. Seeking legal aid may help you get compensation for your injuries and damages. A Biloxi car accident lawyer from Corban Gunn, attorney at law is ready to help you stand up for your rights.

Teen Driver Accident Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenage drivers have a high risk of getting in potentially fatal crashes. Looking at data from 2015, it shows that there were 2,333 fatalities and 235,845 injuries for teenage drivers between the ages of 16-19.

• The crash risk is higher for teenagers who have been newly licensed. Teenagers at 16-17 have a higher fatal crash per mile average than teenagers at 18-19.
• Male drivers between the ages of 16-19 had a motor vehicle death rate two times higher than females the same age.
• Risk of crashing increases when teenage drivers have other teenagers as passengers.

New teenage drivers need to be aware of these statistics and know what they can do to reduce the risk of an accident and possibly prevent them.

What Puts New Drivers in Danger?

New drivers may have a sense of invincibility that makes them feel that they can’t be affected by bad driving decisions. This gives them a false sense of security when they don’t drive safely.

• Speeding, Teenagers are more likely to speed while driving. This could lead to a collision with another car or they could take a turn too quickly and lose control of the vehicle.
• Decision Making. Because of their inexperience, teenagers may not read a situation correctly. Their decision errors can lead to car crashes.
• Drinking and Driving. Teenagers may also not know how the effects of alcohol severely impairs their driving abilities. About 22 percent of male drivers ages 15-20 were drinking when they were involved in fatal accidents.
• Seat Belt Use. Teenagers don’t always use their seatbelts, which is the restraint that keeps them from ejecting from the vehicle in major crashes.

Keep Teenage Drivers Safe

One knee-jerk reaction may be to never let teenagers near a car again, but this isn’t practical. Teenage drivers need to know what causes accidents and how to drive safely and defensively. Speeding, tailgating, or any aggressive forms of driving can easily lead to a car accident. Distracted driving is another main factor that threatens teenage drivers. Phones, eating, and even multiple people in the car can distract the driver from keeping their focus on the road. Knowing safe driving techniques and working their way up to longer driving periods or handling other passengers can help reduce car accidents.