Back to School: Keeping Teen Drivers Safe

We represent individuals and families injured in motor vehicle accidents. Accidents involving teens often involve more passengers, and more serious injuries. Now that a new school year is well underway, it’s a good time to remember tips for teen driving safety.

Car Accidents Involving Teens on the Rise

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were more than 28,000 motor vehicle accidents involving teen drivers in 2011. That figure represents a four percent increase from the year before. These accidents kill and permanently injure thousands of young people and others on the road. If you have a child or a friend who is a teen, consider these points: 

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young adults 15 to 20 years of age.
• NHTSA advises parents to maintain a dialogue about safe driving from the teen years forward. Be a driving model for your children by obeying the rules of the road, by not driving distracted and by never driving impaired. 

NHTSA advises parents to set rules and monitor them. Breaking rules means loss of driving privileges. Rules to follow include: 

• No one of any age should drink and drive. Similarly, teens should be told not to drive with anyone who has been drinking or who they know to be an unsafe driver.
• Parents should set curfews, and teen drivers should be home by 10:00 PM. Many serious accidents involving teen drivers occur in the late evening and early morning hours.
• Prohibit the use of electronic devices while driving. Discuss the dangers of distracted driving.
• Limit teen drivers to no more than one passenger to reduce the risk of distraction and dangerous driving. 

It only takes one glance off the road to make a fatal driving error. Drive safely and encourage teens to do the same. If an accident occurs in Florida, speak to an experienced  Jacksonville, Florida injury attorney.

Attorney Shane Herbert also contributed to this blog post.