Teen Driver Safety Reminders

AAA and first responders refer to the time between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day as the “100 deadliest days.” This is in reference to an increase in teen vehicle crashes and fatalities that takes place during the summer months. Between 2008 and 2018, over 8,300 people died in car accidents which involved teen drivers. The summer sees an increase in teen drivers with school out and seasonal activities in session. However, this summer is unique because most teens have been home since March or April. In the last few weeks, many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, though summer activities, jobs, internships, and classes are still mostly closed. Teens may have an increased desire to hit the road and experience their new-found freedom. Pent up energy to hit the roads combined with a spike in deadly crashes during the COVID-19 lockdown, could be a recipe for disaster. This is a good time to review teen driver safety with your teen. It’s also a good time to review how you can encourage your teen driver to make safe choices.

Parent Guide to Teen Driver Safety

Although it may seem like a lot of what your teenager does is out of your control, helping them practice safe driving is in your control.

1. Model best practices. Always drive how you want your teen to drive. You may think they aren’t paying attention– but they are!
2. Let your teen get plenty of rest. Teens need at least 9 hours of sleep. Make sure they get enough sleep, so they can be safe behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is a risky behavior.
3. Share stories. Connect with the teen and share stories of your driving experience. Let them know what you’ve learned about safe driving over the many years you’ve spent on the road.
4. Patience. Helping your teen learn to drive requires patience and stamina. There will be frustrations and tensions could get high. Try to stay cool, calm and collected.
5. Take breaks. When practicing driving with your teen, take your time. Drive for 15-20 minutes and then stop to discuss. Both your teen and you might need a breather.
6. Try different routes. Your teen might know your neighborhood roads so well, they don’t have to think about it when driving. Drive down different roads so that your teen has to stay alert.

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Teen Driver Safety Tips

Since teens don’t have as many hours behind the wheel, they are most vulnerable to crashes. According to AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index, over 70% of teen drivers between 16 and 18 admitted to engaging in risky driving behavior in the past 30 days:

• 47 % drove 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street
• 40% drove 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway
• 35% texted while driving
• 32% ran a red light
• 31% engaged in aggressive driving
• 25% engaged in drowsy driving
• 17% drove without a seat belt

Teen Driver Safety – A Parent’s Guide

1. Choose a safe car. Make sure your teen has a car that is easy to drive and would protect them in an accident. For example, you might want to avoid trucks and SUVs, which are more prone to rollovers.
2. Drivers Ed. Sign up for a driver’s education course for your teen. The more driving instruction they get, the greater the confidence they will have behind the wheel. Even if you are teaching your teen how to drive, the structured instruction from an official drivers ed course will only benefit them.
3. Communicate. Talk about the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Let your teen know that they can always call you if an unsafe situation arises. The more comfortable your teen is discussing issues with you, the more likely they’ll avoid making a poor decision.
4. Model good behavior. Wear your seatbelt, use your turn signals, and come to a complete stop. Don’t text and drive. Don’t drink and drive. Consistently practicing safe driving will show your teen driver how to drive.

We’ve reviewed a number of teen driving safety tips. Before we address the subject from the teen’s point of view, we want to discuss the most important reason to hire a car accident lawyer: you have the best chance to receive maximum compensation. Additional pertinent points include the fact that a good personal injury lawyer can remove much of the stress from the situation, so you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers now and schedule your free case analysis: (702) 857-6000. If we find you have a case we’ll aggressively represent you

Teen Driver Safety – A Teen’s Guide

1. Buckle your seat belt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens and young adults between 16 and 24 years old are the least likely age group to use a seat belt. In 2009, the majority of 16 to 24-year-olds involved in a fatal crash were not wearing their seat belt.
2. Slow down. Teens’ need for speed puts them at risk for fatal crashes. Remind your teen to drive the posted speed limit.
3. Leave your phone. Distracted driving is one of the top reasons young people get into accidents. Talking or texting while driving is dangerous and potentially fatal.
4. Don’t drink and drive. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly risky. Fortunately, the rate of young people drinking and driving has gone down.
5. Limit driving at night. Visibility is worse at night. Your teen may also be less alert during the evening or early hours of the morning.
6. Keep an eye on the weather. Rain, snow, strong wind and other weather patterns can make it more dangerous for a teen driver to be on the road. Help your teen navigate weather challenges, so they are prepared when facing them alone.
7. Limit passengers. Though driving with friends is more fun, it is also more distracting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that passengers increase crash risks for young drivers. Risky behaviors when teens are driving with passengers include speeding, erratic driving, tailgating, showing off, and racing.
8. Be prepared. Make sure your teen’s car is equipped with the essentials. This includes an emergency kit, jumper cables, spare tire, first-aid kit and a flashlight.

Anthem Injury Lawyers

Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers based in Henderson, Nevada. We are ready to represent you or your teen in your car accident case in Nevada. We serve clients in a range of personal injury cases in the Las Vegas area. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.

Sometimes people are unsure if they need an attorney, or if a car accident attorney can really make a difference in receiving compensation. Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers offer you a much better chance to receive the compensation you deserve. It’s okay to inform yourself with some data from the Internet—but getting individualized legal advice is always best. Give us a call now to schedule your free consultation: (702) 857-6000.

Well-meaning friends may tell you that a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas is too expensive. However, we work on a contingency basis, so you won’t have to worry about affordability. With our extensive car accident case experience, you have the best chance for a positive outcome for your case. Remember: when it comes to seeking maximum compensation, you’ll want to put your case in the hands of the experts. Time is of the essence; consult with our Las Vegas car accident lawyers and let us learn more about the incident, so we can determine if you have a case, and if so, we’ll aggressively fight for your rights. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers today for a free case analysis: (702) 857-6000.

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