National Teen Driver Safety Week

The third week of October is “National Teen Driver Safety Week”! Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teen drivers. A total of 2,820 teenagers, ages 13 to 19, died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016.  Parental involvement does not end when a child gets a license. Teen drivers who continue to practice safe driving with their parents reduce the likelihood of getting into a serious or fatal crash.

“National Teen Driver Safety Week” is dedicated to raising awareness and seeking solutions to prevent crash-related teen injuries and death. This grassroots movement has brought millions of teens, parents, schools, law enforcement advocates and policymakers nationwide together to help reduce the number one cause of death for teens in the United States.  

Teen Driver Safety Tips

It is important to remember that all novice drivers are at a greater risk of getting into an accident when they are first learning to drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed “5 to Drive” rules of the road that give parents and teens a simple, straightforward checklist that can help them talk about good driving skills and most importantly, prevent a tragedy before it happens.  

1. No drinking and driving. Teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes than any other age group.
2. No driving or riding without a seat-belt. In 2017, a staggering 43 percent of teens who died in crashes were not wearing seat-belts at the time of the crash. 
3. No cell phone use or texting while driving. Among drivers 15 to 19 years old, nearly one in five were distracted by their phones. It only takes one quick text or call to destroy your teen’s life.
4. No speeding. Crash risk for teenagers increase incrementally with each mile per hour over the speed limit.
5. No driving more than one passenger at a time. Research has shown that the risk of a fatal car crash goes up directly with the number of teens in a car. In fact, the likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers.

People often mistakenly believe that the best way to reach teenagers is to “scare them straight.” This strategy is anything but productive. Instead, it can overwhelm teens and cause them to shut down. It is best to focus on positive actions, such as the 5 tips above, that teens can take to keep them safe.

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Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Teen Car Accident Attorney

If your teen has been injured in a car accident, you should discuss yours and your teenager’s legal options with an attorney, as you may be entitled to compensation. The Los Angeles teen car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates advocate for their clients’ full financial recovery through hard work and an aggressive approach. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our attorneys, please call 949-727-9300.