Teenagers are more likely to cause an accident than any other demographic. In fact, collisions are the number-one cause of teenage deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your child was injured in a wreck, or if you suffered an injury due to a negligent teen driver, then a car accident lawyer may be able to help.
A Miami personal-injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, PA can evaluate your case to determine if you have valid grounds for a lawsuit. Call 305-290-1736 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn four safety tips for teen drivers:
1. Avoid Speeding
Speeding is a leading cause of accidents for all age groups, and teens have a tendency to ignore traffic laws. Speeding shortens the time they have to react to hazards, which increases the likelihood of a crash.
As the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles explains, it is illegal to drive faster than the designated speed limit. Teenagers should understand that matching the speed of other drivers is not always wise.
2. Hide Cell Phones
Cell phone use is the leading cause of distracted driving, which kills thousands of people every year. Get your teen in the habit of putting his or her cell phone in the glove box before starting the engine.
A ringing cell phone can tempt even the most responsible driver. For this reason, your teen should also put the phone on silent. Parents should do the same to lead by example.
3. Avoid Driving with Passengers
Passengers are distracting for drivers, and teens are particularly susceptible to chatting behind the wheel. New drivers should avoid carrying passengers for at least the first six months. If your teen is comfortable carrying passengers after this period, then he or she should know that their conversations are almost as distracting as text messaging. Teach vigilance.
4. Use Indicators and Headlights When Necessary
There are several scenarios when it is important to use headlights. Rain and nighttime driving can reduce visibility, which increases the likelihood of crashes. Headlights should always be on between dusk and dawn.
Also, encourage your teen to signal his or her intentions to other motorists. Indicator lights will show the intention to turn, and emergency blinkers can get other drivers‘ attention when parked on the side of a busy road.
Watching a teenage driver get behind the wheel is enough to give any parent anxiety. Although inexperience is responsible for a large portion of teenage collisions, many of these accidents are preventable. Be sure to teach your child to avoid speeding, hide his or her cell phone, limit the number of passengers and drive defensively.
If you would like to speak with a Florida accident attorney, then contact the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, PA. Call 305-290-1736 to schedule a consultation with a Miami personal-injury lawyer.