Teen drivers are far less experienced and more impulsive than adult drivers. They are more likely to be involved in car accidents than any other drivers on the road. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths. They take more teen lives than alcohol or drugs. Letting your teen lose on the roadways can be a frightening experience for any parent. As tempting as it may seem to lock your teenager in their rooms to protect them from harms way, this is not possible. However, knowing the most common causes for teenage automobile accidents may help prevent your teen from making these mistakes.
1. Inexperience
Obviously, the most common cause of teen car accidents is inexperience. It is said that the first 500 miles your teen drives are the most crucial. During the first 500 miles they are 10 times more likely to be involved in an auto accident. Inexperienced drivers may have a difficult time driving in inclement weather or nighttime driving. When unexpected situations on the road occur inexperienced drivers may struggle with handling these situations. Their reaction times may be slower and they may make poor decisions.
2. Speed demons
There are many different reasons why teen drivers speed. To make it to class on time, to make it home for curfew, impatience, or simply for the thrill. Speeding greatly increases the likelihood of a road accident taking place. Teen drivers have slower reaction times which makes it harder to slow down or completely brake. Encourage your teen driver to always go the speed limit. Be sure that they know the risks involved with driving over the set speed limit. Risks include spikes in insurance premiums if they get ticketed or license suspension if they receive multiple citations.
3. Drinking
Underage drinking happens. It happens more often than parents would like to think. When teenagers get behind the wheel intoxicated they never think that they will become a drunk driving statistic. They never think they will be the person severely injured in an automobile accident. They also never think their lives will be completely altered after an auto accident. Most teen drivers are not aware of how much alcohol can impair their judgement and cloud their line of vision. Educate your teens on the dangers of underage drinking.
4. Distracted driving
Distracted driving can take many forms: eating while driving, putting on makeup, or even texting. The ability to multitask is a great skill to have, however it should be left outside of the car. Diverting your attention away from the road for any amount of time is extremely risky. It leaves you exposed to a number of dangerous situations.
If you have been the victim of a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the damages and injuries suffered. Contact us at Colley and Colley.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
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