With the school year over in Palm Beach County and summer vacation upon us, AAA is reminding parents that they must educate their teens on smart driving practices to ensure their safety on the roads.
According to the NHTSA, around half of teen driver-related deaths occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, not only teenagers are killed in these car accidents; in many cases, it’s people from other age groups, including seniors.
Crashes involving teens spike in the summer
According to AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins, the main distraction for teen drivers is other teen passengers. This is particularly risky for newly licensed drivers.
“They’re going to the beach. They’re driving with their friends. Unfortunately, some of them might even be impaired,” Jenkins said in a statement. “So there’s just a lot of factors that can lead to bad decisions while teenagers are behind the wheel, and the fact that they don’t have a lot of experience really contributes to that.”
AAA recommends teaching teens defensive driving skills and road scanning techniques. They also stress the importance of getting 50 hours of supervised practice, which is also a requirement for Florida teens to obtain their license. This practice should include driving in inclement weather, on highways, at night, and in other conditions and scenarios.
For additional support, the Palm Beach County School District is offering free summer driver’s ed classes at six schools on a first-come, first-served basis. That includes Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin school districts. AAA also offers a 25-hour online course covering the rules of the road, which includes a session for parents to help coach their teens.
What causes car accidents involving teen drivers?
The leading causes of teen driver car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: This is one of the top causes. Aside from passengers, distractions often come from mobile devices and other in-car activities.
- Speeding: Teens often underestimate the dangers of speeding and overestimate their ability to handle high speeds.
- Lack of experience: Inexperience leads to poor decision-making in unexpected or challenging driving conditions.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, and even fatigue can impair a teen driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Not wearing seat belts: Failure to wear seat belts increases the risk of injury or death in the event of a car accident.
- Reckless driving: This includes aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights.
- Night driving: Limited visibility and higher chances of encountering impaired drivers make night driving more dangerous for teens.
- Peer pressure: Teens may take more risks when driving with friends in the car, which can lead to dangerous situations.
What are some safety driving tips for teens?
Preventing teen driver car accidents requires education, vigilance, and awareness. Here are some valuable safety driving tips for teens during the summer months:
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Avoid distractions.
- Obey speed limits.
- Never drive under the influence.
- Practice defensive driving.
- Limit nighttime driving.
- Follow traffic signals and signs.
- Limit passengers.
- Avoid aggressive driving.
- Adjust for weather conditions.
How can parents help prevent teen driver collisions?
While the above safety driving tips for teens can help prevent serious and fatal crashes, parents can also get involved. Here are some ways to help protect your teen on the road:
- Demonstrate safe driving habits yourself and set a good example.
- Create a parent-teen driving agreement that outlines expectations, rules, and consequences for breaking those rules.
- Spend ample time driving with your teen in various conditions—day and night, in different weather conditions, and on highways and local roads.
- Enforce restrictions on nighttime driving and limit the number of passengers your teen can have in the car.
- Have open discussions about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the dangers of distracted driving.
Count on Casey after a car accident in Palm Beach County
No matter your age or driving experience, accidents can happen to anyone. Life can take an unexpected turn after a car accident in Palm Beach County. You or someone you love could be faced with vehicle damage, severe injuries, and mounting medical bills during the aftermath. Having our dedicated legal team at The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Our law firm is dedicated to handling your claim from start to finish and ensuring you get the maximum compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Whether the accident involved a teen driver, a commercial vehicle, or any other type of collision, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to support you. Among Mr. Shomo’s notable case results are million and multi-million outcomes for clients who were injured in car accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a Palm Beach County crash, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your rights and potential options moving forward. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work toward securing the best possible outcome for your case.
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