KEEPING TEEN DRIVERS SAFE DURING DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH

It only takes a few seconds to take your eyes off the road, read a text, and get into a car accident. In today’s world, distractions are everywhere, and distracted driving has become a serious problem in Virginia and across the country.

Every day, about eight people lose their lives in distracted driving accidents in the U.S., and thousands more sustain debilitating injuries. Specifically, teen drivers are at an increased risk of being distracted behind the wheel and getting into a crash.

April is recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month by numerous safety organizations. As such, we want to take this time to provide some ways that you, as a parent, can help keep your teen drivers safe.

TEEN DRIVING ACCIDENT STATISTICS

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents for teen drivers. Because they lack driving experience and are more likely to partake in risky behaviors, accident numbers are typically higher for this age group.

Here are some statistics to put this into perspective:

• Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death for U.S teens.
• Nearly 2,500 teens aged 13-19 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2018.
• Teen drivers aged 16-19 are three times more likely than drivers 20 years of age or older to die in a fatal crash.
• The risk of a crash is the highest during the first months that a teen has their license.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO IMPROVE TEEN SAFETY

Safe driving is the responsibility of all drivers, no matter their ages. Parents can make a big difference in keeping teen drivers safe and helping them learn the skills necessary to prevent driving distractions and car crashes. Here are some strategies you can implement:

• Limit the number of passengers allowed in your teen’s vehicle.
• Have them make a pact that they won’t text while driving.
• Don’t text or call them if you know they are driving.
• Discuss the dangers of less known distractions, such as eating or doing makeup while driving.
• Set a good example by not texting while driving.

If you, your teen driver, or another loved one is ever injured in a distracted driving accident, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, PLLC is here to help. We have over four decades of legal experience and will fight hard to help you pursue compensation for your damages, all while treating you like family.

Contact our Newport News accident attorneys at (757) 599-6050 to schedule your no-fee, no-obligation consultation. We’re happy to work around your schedule to find a time and place to meet that is convenient for you.