5 Tips to Keep Teen Drivers Safe
This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is doubling down on their efforts to improve the safe driving practices of teenage drivers as part of this occasion. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, making it crucial that we all do our part to ensure that teenage drivers develop safe habits behind the wheel.
“Nearly 3,000 teens were involved in deadly vehicle crashes last year. We have to do better, and as parents we should all model, teach, and enforce good driving habits for our young drivers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
As part of the National Teen Driver Safety Week campaign, the NHTSA has released their “5 to Drive” safety rules. They are encouraging all parents to discuss these with their teenage drivers in order to reinforce their importance.
The NHTSA’s “5 to Drive” rules of the road include:
No Cell Phones — Cell phones are the most common cause of distracted driving accidents. Texting while driving takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds, and talking on the phone can significantly impact a driver’s ability to focus on the road. Make sure your teenage driver knows the importance of putting their cell phone away while behind the wheel.- No Extra Passengers — It takes time for new drivers to internalize the many actions required while operating a vehicle. When a teenager drives with a car full of their friends, it can create additional distractions which make it hard to detect adverse conditions on the road that are commonly observed by more experienced drivers. Make sure your teenage driver understands the risks associated with having too many passengers, and encourage your child to keep the number of passengers to a minimum.
- No Speeding — Speeding is a common cause of car accidents. When teenage drivers are speeding, they have less time to react, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Make sure your teenage driver understands the importance of obeying all posted speed limits.
- No Alcohol — The dangers of driving while intoxicated have been documented by countless studies. Alcohol impairs your judgment, reflexes and abilities. These effects are even more pronounced in teenage drivers who are both inexperienced drinkers and drivers. Make sure your teenager always rides with a designated driver if alcohol is being consumed.
- Buckle Up — Seatbelts save lives. Make sure your teenager always wears a seatbelt while driving. It can be the most important piece of safety equipment if they are involved in an accident.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. The attorneys at the Turley Law Firm have been fighting for the rights of injured victims in the Dallas area for more than 40 years, and we can help you hold the negligent driver accountable after a collision.
Please contact the Turley Law Firm using the form on this page or call 214-691-4025 today to schedule a free car accident consultation. We serve clients in the Dallas, Texas area.
