teen driving, teen drivers

Teen Driving: Safety and Statistics

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Sending your teen out on the road for the first time is a proud yet scary moment. You’ve spent many hours in the car protecting them on the road and demonstrating safety behind the wheel. It’s important to prepare your teen for this exciting time to ensure they’re practicing safe driving every trip.

Our team at Ross Moore Law is here to give you and your teen tips on safely navigating the roadways. Read on to learn more about safe teen driving!

Why Teen Driving Can Be Risky    

Many teen driving accidents involve speeding, improper seatbelt wear, distracted driving, and drinking. Many teens get behind the wheel not completely understanding the consequences of risky behavior and often feel pressured to bend the rules a little in front of their peers. 

Teen drivers hit the road with little experience and engage in risk-taking behaviors more often than experienced drivers. Becoming a skilled driver doesn’t happen overnight, so this is why working with your teen on building safe driving skills and supervising their driving is crucial. 

Tips for Teen Drivers    

Here are some great tips to share with your teen as they begin their journey to becoming a licensed driver.

1. Always wear your seatbelt.

2. Don’t drive distracted. Avoid eating, drinking, talking on the phone, texting, or changing your music while driving.

3. Do not use your cell phone while driving. In Georgia, it is unlawful to have a phone in your hand or touching any part of your body while driving. 

4. Always use your turn signals to indicate the direction in which you are going. This will alert other drivers of your intended movement.

5. Obey the speed limit. Speed limits are posted for a reason and traveling too fast decreases your reaction time behind the wheel.

6. Familiarize yourself with your directions or where you’re going before you begin driving. Plan ahead so all of your attention is on the road.

7. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. This will keep you from speeding or driving recklessly to get to your destination on time. 

8. Do not drink and drive. It is illegal to consume alcohol under the age of 21 and to drive while intoxicated.

9. Always keep your focus on the road. Your task is to be attentive and safe every time you get behind the wheel. 

Steps for Parents to Encourage Safe Driving        

First, familiarize your state’s graduated driver licensing laws to understand the restrictions that will be placed on your teen’s license. The laws and restrictions for a new driver vary by state, so it’s important to know what is allowed in your state so you can establish ground rules for your teen before they hit the road.

Discuss with your child the dangers of drinking and driving, distracted driving, and driving without a seatbelt. Talk to your teen about the risks of these behaviors and the importance of safety on the road. 

Spend time riding with your teen driver both at night and during the day. This will help the two of you discuss best driving practices and help them feel more comfortable driving at night. It’s important to not solely rely on drivers’ education courses. Enjoy these practice sessions with your child and bond over this exciting time in your teen’s life. 

Remember, you are your teen’s biggest role model when it comes to driving. Always practice safe driving yourself. Talk about safe driving while you’re driving to reinforce what to do and what not to do when you’re behind the wheel. Your teen’s learning begins with you. 

Statistics on Teen Driving Accidents         

Here are a few statistics to help you learn more about the risks that come with teen driving. 

  • According to the CDC, car accidents are the second leading cause of death among teens in the United States. 
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that fatal accidents involving teen drivers increased by 17% in 2020 when compared to 2019 statistics.
  • The CDC stated in a 2019 report that nearly 40% of teen drivers admitted to sending a text or an email while driving within a month of the survey.
  • In accidents involving drivers 16 to 19 years old, 50% of those accidents occurred at night.
  • When looking at data from 2020, the majority of teen driving accidents occurred during the summer months, and 50% of fatal accidents involving teen drivers took place on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights. 
  • Teen drivers are more likely to speed than more experienced drivers, leading to a larger proportion of fatal accidents involving speeding among teenage drivers.

Contact Ross Moore Law Today! 

Most teens look forward to getting their driver’s license and hitting the road on their own for the first time. Being an inexperienced driver comes with its risks, but you can also approach this exciting time with practice, your own knowledge, and discussions about safe driving with your teen. If you find yourself in need of an attorney, the Ross Moore Law team is here for you and your teen driver.

Looking for a local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Our team at Ross Moore Law is eager to put our experience to work for you. Call us today or book a free consultation online! 

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