Teenage drivers are more at risk of being involved in an accident than any other demographic. Their inexperience hinders their decision-making, and they are also prone to distractions. If you were injured by a teenage driver, or if your teen was hospitalized due to another motorist’s negligence, then an accident lawyer may be able to assist.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 2,500 teenage drivers die on U.S. roads every year. Car crashes are the leading killers of this demographic.
If you or a loved one was the victim of another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior, then contact the Robson Law Firm. An Austin injury attorney can evaluate your crash and determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Our lawyers have recovered more than $26 million for our clients.
Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about car accident claims in Texas.
Read on to learn four tips to keep teenage drivers safe on Texas roads:
1. No Speeding
Speeding is a leading cause of accidents for people of all ages. However, teens are particularly prone to speeding, and they lack the experience to make split-second decisions to avoid crashes or dangerous situations, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Because of their inexperience, new drivers try to match the driving patterns of surrounding motorists, including drivers who are travelling too fast. Teens must slow down and ignore the bad habits of others.
2. No Cell Phones
Teenage drivers are easily distracted, and cell phones are largely responsible for this. Thousands of people die each year while talking on the phone, sending text messages and using social media sites while driving.
Teach your teen to store his or her cell phone in the glove compartment or the trunk while driving. It will be in your teenager’s best interests – and everyone else’s – to enforce a no-phone policy in the car.
3. No Passengers
Passengers cause 5 percent of all distracted driving fatalities. Even experienced drivers can be distracted by passengers.
Teens should not carry any passengers for the first six months after getting their license. After the six-month period, your teen can carry passengers if he or she is comfortable doing so, but you should explain that passengers are almost as distracting as cell phones.
4. Use Headlights and Turn Signals
Headlights are crucial for safety. They brighten the road and improve visibility – both for the driver and for others on the road. Headlights are mandatory between dusk and dawn, and there is no exception to this rule. Turn signals are also important because they help teenage drivers communicate with other motorists, which can prevent accidents.
If you were injured by a negligent driver, then your top priority is to seek medical attention. After treatment, call an accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Call 512-345-8200 to speak with an Austin injury attorney.