Prevent Your Teen Driver From Becoming Another Tragic Statistic

By James A. Cleaver, Esq.

Alexander & Cleaver

. https://www.alexander-cleaver.com

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Prevent Your Teen Driver From Becoming Another Tragic Statistic

The recent rash of fatal car accidents claiming the lives of teenagers in the Washington Metropolitan area has raised awareness of the dangers associated with teen driving. Advancements in technology such as mobile email and text messaging have added to the lengthy list of dangerous distractions already present with everyday teen driving. Statistics regarding teen car accidents are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Furthermore, The CDC also reports every year about 250,000 teens are injured in car accidents. Coupled with dangers always present with driving during the winter and holiday season, such as inclement weather and increased alcohol consumption, it is imperative that parents consistently counsel their teens on safe driving. Furthermore, supervising newly licensed teens is paramount, as statistics show crash risk particularly high during the first months of licensure.  Here are some suggestions to go over with your teen driver:

• No cell phone usage while operating the vehicle. In fact, the cell phone should be off.
• No text messaging or e-mail while driving.
• No drinking and driving. With the legalization of certain amounts of marijuana, must stress the importance of not allowing anyone in the vehicle to use the drug.
• Limit the number of passengers in the car when your teen is driving to limit distractions. Statistics show teen drivers with teen or young adult passengers increase the risk of accidents. This risk increases with each additional teen or young adult passenger.
• Demand that your teen and all passengers in the car use seatbelts.
• Since most accidents happen after dark and on weekends, limit your teen’s driving during these times.
• Always adhere to applicable speed limits and decrease speed during inclement weather.
• Explain the dangers of black ice.
• Never get into a vehicle with another teen that has been drinking or taking drugs.

The attorneys at Alexander & Cleaver have been representing people injured in car accidents for over 45 years. Increasingly, we are representing individuals who are injured in accidents caused by inexperienced teen drivers who are distracted while driving, or under the influence of alcohol. To make this a happy and safe spring and summer, please have a meaningful conversation with your teen drivers about the importance of safe driving.

If you, a family member, or friend are in an accident and need legal advice, or have questions about this article, please feel free to contact one of our attorneys at Alexander & Cleaver for a free consultation at 1-800-292-5297.