Safe Driving Tips for Teenagers This Summer

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 2,820 teens lost their lives in car accidents in 2016. Almost one-third of those deaths (1,044) occurred in the summer between May and August.

This increase in accidents may be because teenagers are more likely to be driving because they are out of school. This means they are more likely to be out on the road taking trips with friends or traveling to or from part-time jobs.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent teenage driver, it is important to contact an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer. The licensed attorneys at PKSD can investigate the accident to determine who was responsible and if you are owed compensation for damages. We can also guide you through every step of the process as we pursue the fair compensation you deserve.

The tips below can help your teenage son or daughter drive safely this summer and help reduce the risk of an accident.

1. Avoid Distractions

Teenagers do not have much experience behind the wheel, which is why it is even more important for them to avoid distractions compared to more experienced drivers. This means they need to avoid texting and driving and other distractions, like loud music or eating in the car.

Parents should strongly consider making it a rule for their teenagers to turn off their phones or leave them on silent when they are driving. There are also apps they can download that prevent them from using their phones while their vehicle is in motion.

2. Limit Passengers

Teens who drive with their peers are more likely to be involved in accidents. Friends may be distracting or may encourage your teen to take unnecessary risks. The IIHS reports that restricting passengers is one way to reduce the number of fatal car accidents involving teenagers.

3. Keep Your Eyes on the Road

It is important to keep your eyes locked on the road when driving to see any potential hazards ahead. New drivers may not have as much experience in identifying potential risks, so it is important that they have as much time as possible to respond to them. You should also remind your teenager to keep a lookout for kids running into the street, as this is more likely to happen in the summer.

4. Do Not Drink and Drive

Teenage drivers and alcohol are a lethal combination. Teenagers are at an increased risk of death in accidents involving alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair their ability to drive safely.

Talk to your teenager about alternatives if he or she has used alcohol and is tempted to drive home. For instance, he or she could have a friend drive, use a ridesharing service or even call you for a ride. You can always punish your child later after he or she has safely returned home.

5. Maintain a Safe Speed

Remind your son or daughter that it is important to stay within the speed limit to have enough time to stop if a hazard appears. Additionally, driving at a safe speed can help avoid expensive tickets, wasted gas mileage and increased insurance premiums. Model the importance of safe driving by not speeding when you are behind the wheel when your teenager is in the car with you.

6. Buckle Up

Seat belts have been proven to reduce rates of serious injury and death in car accidents. Many teenagers who were killed in car accidents were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Make it a rule for your teen to wear a seat belt every time he or she gets in a vehicle, whether as the driver or a passenger. Tell your son or daughter not to move the vehicle until all passengers are safely buckled up. Model this behavior yourself by always buckling up.

Get Legal Help After a Car Crash

If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss legal options. The Milwaukee personal injury attorneys at PKSD can investigate your crash to determine if negligence was involved.

We are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process as we pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage and other damages you suffered.

We charge no upfront fees and do not get paid unless you receive compensation at the end of the legal process.

Call our firm today at 414-333-3333 .