Automobile accidents continue to be the main cause of death and injury for drivers ages 16 to 19, with their likelihood of being involved in a fatal crash three times higher than drivers 20 and older.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety researched and found that when a parent becomes engaged in their teen driver’s skills/training, such time spent can greatly reduce accidents and lessen the risk of roadway fatalities and injuries for every traveler sharing the road with them.

Immaturity, risky conduct, and lack of experience are all proven triggers that contribute to accident and injury risks for teenage drivers. Due to these factors, young drivers tend to be more likely to ignore road hazards, speed while driving, and not wear a seatbelt. Speak to your teenage driver about these four deadly consequences responsible for over 60 percent of all teen driver collisions, including:

1. Space and Speed Management: Teenage drivers are more likely than older drivers to speed and to use a shorter distance from the rear of a vehicle in front of them. Also, male teenage drivers involved in deadly collisions are more likely to be witnessed speeding at the time of the collision, compared to female teenage drivers in the same age groups.
2. Hazard Recognition: Due to having underdeveloped scan and search skills, it takes teenage drivers longer to notice a hazard than older drivers, increasing their risk for a collision.
3. Impaired and Distracted Driving: Teenage drivers tend to be easily distracted by riding with friends, eating, playing music, texting, being under the influence of drugs/alcohol, and using mobile apps when driving.
4. Vehicle Handling: Motor coordination of the hands, feet, and eyes are necessary to move through the physical activity of day-to-day driving. Teenage drivers may not have these skills and instead, overestimate their driving skills beyond those of an automobile’s operating system and technology.

Sadly, teenage drivers are usually the cause of otherwise avoidable collisions. Parents play a huge and important role in keeping every driver, including their teenager, safe on the road. Teach new drivers good habits, be a good role model, and constantly remind teenagers that safe driving abilities take time to develop.

Were You Injured in an Automobile Collision?

If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, you and your family may be entitled to damages for things like lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Contact the Bryant Law Firm, LLC, today for a free consultation at 205-267-8561.

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