Here at Boesen Law, we have been analyzing trends regarding motor vehicle collisions. During the 2020 year, not many people were on the roads as compared to 2019 which makes sense due to the yearlong lockdown. Now that we are slowly entering into our new “normal”, we are realizing that many of our teenage drivers are venturing onto the roads. Here are some tips for parents, as well as teens, in regards to driving safely.
According to the CDC, there are “Eight (8) Danger Zones for Teen Drivers”. These eight zones are the leading causes of teen accidents and injuries. It is important to make sure that you, as the parent, as well as your teen(s) are aware of the eight danger zones. The zones are as follows:
- Driver inexperience
- Driving with other teen passengers
- Nighttime driving
- Not using seat belts
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving
Now that we are aware of the eight danger zones, here are some specific things you can do as a parent to guide your teenager on the roads. These pieces of advice come from the CDC website regarding teen driving. We will attach the link at the bottom of this article for your convenience. Here are a few tidbits that we find helpful.
1. Practice often with your teen
- Teens lack driving experience and so the more practice and exposure your teen gets on the roads, the better. Make sure to practice in all sorts of weather and traffic conditions.
2. Discuss your rules on the road with your teen
- These rules should be in writing so your teen is aware of your expectations and limits. The CDC created a “Parent-Teen Driving Agreement” that lays out expectations in an easy-to-read manner.
3. Require your teen to wear their seat belt ALWAYS
- No matter if they are the driver or passenger, make clear to your teen that they should always be wearing their seatbelt. According to teendriversource.org, a study in 2019 reported that 43% of high school students nationwide said they did not always wear a seatbelt during the span of a month. Wearing your seatbelt is the simplest way to prevent injuries and death resulting from a car accident.
- Teens are always watching. Be a good role model and always buckle up. Your safety is just as important as theirs.
A Teen’s Guide to Driving
Driving is such an exhilarating new experience; however, there are some things that you, as the teen, need to be aware of for your safety and others. We have collected advice from the CDC’s website regarding teen driving and are sharing the information with you. We are a law firm that specializes in car accidents and we would rather you remain safe and not visiting us! Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are on the road.
1. ALWAYS buckle in your seat belt
- Your safety is our top priority. Wearing your seatbelt has been proven to reduce injuries and even death when in a car accident by nearly half. It is also law to wear your seatbelt and being pulled over for not wearing it is a pretty hefty ticket. Remember to click it or ticket.
2. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages or use any drugs before getting behind the wheel
- This is an important rule for everyone but especially for teens as you are only barely starting to drive. Being under the influence of any kind is also illegal and imposes great risks to yourself and others on the road.
3. Put all distractions away
- Whether it be your phone or even the radio, please set distractions aside. If you have to make a call or send a text, pull off on the side of the road safely and then do so. We promise, that text, Snapchat, tweets, can wait.
4. Get to know the vehicle you are driving
- Even if this is a car you don’t usually drive, examine everything you possibly can on the car. Make sure you know where important features of the car are located like the window wipers, the hazard lights, etc. Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel to your liking and drive safely!
Now that you are aware of some tidbits of advice, be safe and have fun out there!
Accidents happen and we want to keep you and your family safe. At Boesen Law, we have formulated a pamphlet that we recommend you, and everyone who drives, keep in the glovebox. The pamphlet helps gather the information one would need in case of an accident. Give us a call at (303) 327-9988 if you or someone you know is in a car accident.