Safety Tips for Erie Teen Drivers
According to AAA Exchange, 10 people died every day in accidents involving teen drivers during the summer months in 2016, which was a 14 percent increase in the number of fatalities compared to the rest of the year. Memorial Day through Labor Day is often referred to as the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. Nighttime driving and speed appear to be significant factors in the number of traffic accidents involving teen drivers during this period each year. Parents should discuss the importance of obeying all traffic laws this summer to reduce the risk of an Erie auto accident. In addition, parents should also be prepared to discuss three important topics that impact safety for teen drivers.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. Teenagers seem to always be engaged with their cell phone, which can be deadly when they are driving. Parents need to discuss the dangers of distracted driving with their teens and take steps to reduce the risk of distracted driving from cell phone us. AAA Exchange and EndDD have videos about distracted driving that parents and teens can watch together. Parents may also want to research some of the new technology that can prevent teen drivers from using their cell phones while driving.
Driving Under the Influence
Even if you do not believe your teenagers drink alcohol, you need to have the conversation about drunk driving because they could be in a situation in which they are a passenger in a car with a drunk driver. Your teen needs to know what to do if their friend has been drinking and wants to drive. You should also make sure that your teens know they can call you to come to pick them up, no questions asked.
Passenger Safety
Many accidents during the summer involving teen drivers also involve numerous passengers in the teen’s vehicle. Teen drivers transport more passengers during the summer, which can increase the level of distractions in the vehicle. Some parents limit the number of passengers their teen can have in the vehicle to decrease the chance of distractions. Even if you limit the number of passengers your teen driver is permitted to have in the vehicle, you should also discuss safe driving procedures when passengers are in the vehicle, such as everyone must wear a seatbelt and no horseplay or loud music.
For more information about safety and teen drivers, parents can visit the CDC’s Parents Are the Key to Safe Teen Drivers website.
Contact an Erie Car Accident Attorney for Help with a Teen Driving Accident
Insurance companies like to blame teen drivers for accidents, even when the teen driver may not be responsible for the crash. Before you accept a settlement from an insurance company for your teenager, contact an Erie car accident attorney. Your teenager deserves compensation for all damages, injuries, and losses related to the accident.
Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation with an Erie car accident lawyer.