Posted on Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 at 5:05 pm
During 2017, over 3,200 teen drivers were involved in fatal car accidents. Teen drivers are less experienced and may not be ready to handle the responsibility of driving a vehicle in all situations. They are less mature and may not have a fully developed ability to judge risks and consequences. For that reason, parents need to discuss dangerous driving behaviors with their teen drivers. Discussing the risks associated with poor driving decisions can help teen drivers avoid dangerous driving behaviors.
Three Dangerous Driving Behaviors to Discuss with Your Teen Driver
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving one of the most common dangerous driving behaviors committed by all drives. Distractions while driving result in thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Teen drivers need to understand that any distraction, regardless of how quick or seemingly harmless, can have fatal consequences. Avoiding distractions while driving protects drivers and all others on the road.
Common distractions for teen drivers include, but are not limited to:
- Texting while driving
- Using social media
- Talking on a cell phone
- Adjusting the radio or other vehicle settings
- Interacting with passengers
- Grooming
- Eating or drinking
- Changing clothing
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drugs increase the chance of being involved in a traffic accident. Parents should discuss how alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Teen drivers need to understand that there are potentially life-threatening consequences of impaired driving, in addition to losing their driver’s license and other potential criminal penalties for a DUI.
Parents need a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Teens need to understand that they can call their parents without fear if they have been drinking or a friend has been drinking.
Fatigued and Drowsy Driving
Many teen drivers do not realize that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Being tired or drowsy behind the wheel is dangerous. The driver’s ability to react to changes in driving conditions or other hazards is reduced when the driver is fatigued.
Teen drivers can be at risk for drowsy driving accidents. Balancing schoolwork, social activities, and sports or other hobbies can be difficult for a teenager. A teenager may get less sleep than he or she needs. A long night of studying, followed by a long day at school, could put the teen driver at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident.
Parents need to discuss healthy sleep habits and how a lack of sleep can contribute to a car accident with their teen drivers.
Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
If your teen driver is involved in a car crash, it is wise to meet with an attorney as soon as possible. Your teen driver could be blamed for an accident that was not his or her fault simply because an insurance company assumes teen drivers are more prone to engage in dangerous driving behaviors.
Contact The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sacramento car accident lawyers.
