The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a list of the top reasons why Texas teens are more prone to be in dangerous, potentially fatal car wrecks. Read below to help identify the key risk factors your teen may be exposed to while driving.
- Teen drivers are inexperienced. Most teens who get into Texas car accidents do so within their first year of driving. Spending time in the car with your teen, helping him to practice driving is a key to reducing the likelihood that he will be involved in a car accident. The CDC recommends that teens have a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving behind the wheel. Also, practicing in different weather and traffic conditions can help your teen be prepared when he begins to drive by himself.
- Teen drivers are distracted by other teens in the car. Many states have restrictions on who can ride in a car with a teen driver. Keeping this rule during your teen’s first six months of driving can help prevent a dangerous car accident caused by distracted driving.
- Driving at night is risky for teens. Fatal car wrecks are more likely to occur during nighttime hours. To prevent your inexperienced teen driver from being in a fatal car wreck, make sure he is off the road by at least 10 p.m. for the first few months of driving.
- Not using a seat belt increases a teen’s risk of dying in a car wreck. Remind your teen that wearing a seat belt saves lives and can reduce his risk of injury if he is in a crash.
- Teens are more prone to drive distracted. Distracted driving kills an estimated 5,000 Americans each year. Remind your teen not to talk on his cell phone, text, eat, play with the radio, or let any other distractions take his mind and eyes off the road. Taking the Just Put It Down Pledge with your teen can help remind him not to give into distractions and can remind you to set a good example when driving with your teen.
- Teens who are drowsy are more prone to being in a car wreck. Teens need a lot of sleep, and are most tired in the early morning hours and late at night. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as texting while driving and as drunk driving. Before allowing your teen to drive, make sure he is well-rested.
- Teens are more prone to drive recklessly. Talk with your teen about unsafe driving behaviors including speeding and tailgating. Remind him that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that these dangerous driving behaviors will be grounds for not letting him drive.
- Teens are at risk for being impaired while driving. Reinforce with your teen the message that even one drink can seriously impair his driving abilities. Besides, it’s illegal for anyone under 21 to drink, and illegal for everyone to drink and drive.
Unfortunately not all accidents can be prevented. If you were injured in a Texas car wreck by an unsafe driver, call the experienced Texas car wreck attorneys at Van Wey Law today at (214) 329-1350 or (800) 489-5082.
