When teenagers first receive their drivers license, it is an exciting time. They have reached a new level of independence and want nothing more than to drive everywhere they can and show their friends that they can now drive. Unfortunately, their inexperience behind the wheel makes this age group the most vulnerable to being injured or killed in an auto accident.
Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for teens ages 15-19, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2013, 2,614 teens lost their lives and 130,000 were injured in car accidents across the country. Yet, studies show that only 25 percent of parents talk about the dangers of driving with their teens.
That is why National Teen Driver Safety week has been set aside every year during the third week of October. Recognized this year Oct. 18-24, it provides an opportunity for parents to have a serious conversation with their teen drivers about how to stay safe on the road.
This years theme, Five to Drive, outlines five important guidelines that parents should discuss with their teens:
Buckle-Up Put simply, seat belts save lives. Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest ways to stay safe in a car. Remind your teen of the importance of always wearing a seat belt both when they are driving and riding as a passenger.
Do Not Speed Almost one third of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash in 2013 were speeding. Encourage your teen to follow the posted speed limit.
No Cellphones Texting and driving, making phone calls, checking Facebook and searching the Internet all pull a teens attention away from the road, significantly increasing their risk of being involved in an auto accident. Set a rule with your teen that they put the phone away while driving.
No Passengers Studies show that there is a direct correlation between the number of passengers in a teens car and the likely hood of being involved in an accident. The fact is, extra passengers cause greater distractions and encourage teens to engage in risky driving behaviors.
Do Not Drink and Drive Although teens are too young to drink, teens ages 15-19 are at a greater risk of being involved in an alcohol-related crash than any other age group. Remind your teen to never drink and drive.
If your teen is injured in an auto accident, contact an experienced Fort Worth car crash lawyer at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn for a free consultation. A personal injury lawyer from our firm can help to review the details of your claim and advise you, if there is a path for a legal solution to your claim.
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