One of the most important milestones for most teenagers, getting their driver’s license is a big deal and a time of great pride. Being a parent of five children, and having been through the teenage driving period multiple times, I know the worries of every parent – the roadways are a very dangerous place, especially for inexperienced drivers. For Florida teen drivers, car accidents are the number one cause of death as well as a leading cause of injury. 

Some the typical errors made by teenage drivers include:

Lack of Wearing a Seat Belt – When looking at statistics involving teenage drivers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that seat belt use among teenagers is the lowest as compared to all other age groups. In fact, in a 2016 study looking at fatal teen car accidents, 58% of the time, the drivers and passengers were not wearing seat belts.

Driving too Fast – That same 2016 study revealed that speeding was a factor in 32% of fatal crashes involving a teen driver. Even for seasoned drivers, excessive speeds increase the likelihood of getting into an accident and also makes a crash exponentially severe.  When it comes to having the ability to make quick decisions and reacting swiftly, that is a skill that comes with experience, something Florida teen drivers lack.

Driving and Drinking – Underage drinking is a problem among our young people, and mixed with driving, it becomes even more deadly. The 2016 study also concluded that in these fatal teen driving accidents, alcohol was an element 20% of the time. Mixture of underage drinking with inexperienced driving skills is a devastating combination. 

Peer Pressure – When around other teens, it is well established that they may make decisions that they may not otherwise have made absence the pressure. When driving with other teens as passengers, studies have shown that Florida teen drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. More teens in the car equal even more pressure to do something regrettable.

Driving while Distracted – Teen drivers, due to maturity and inexperience, are much more likely to be distracted by phones, the radio, or something else mores than other drivers. When asked if they have ever texted while driving, 33% of teen drivers stated “yes.” This activity increases the risk of an accident 23 times. A distraction of even a couple of seconds could have deadly consequences. 

Doing stupid things – Finally, and particular for young male drivers, teens are much more likely to engage in unnecessary behavior. They may try and mimic the latest social media fad or challenge. They may decide to drag race, do burnouts, or some other type of stunt. Teens may decide it would be fun to drive on the hood or hang out of a window. Even seemingly well-behaved teens could have a momentary lapse in judgement that could result in catastrophic and life-altering consequences. 

As parents, we need to make sure our children get as much experience and education of possible about driving. It is important to make the time to allow them to practice so they can understand the dangers of driving. Give driving privileges in stages and have them earn your trust. Talk to them about driving safety. Even if you think “never my child,” you would be surprised how common underage drinking is – make sure they know they can call you for a ride without fear. Lets keep our Florida teen drivers safe.

If your Florida teen driver is in an accident, do not hesitate to call our office at (352) 358-5880. As a Spring Hill Car Accident Attorney, Brian S. Brijbag Esq is here to help your family. It is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Please call for a free consultation.

Proudly Serving:

• Spring Hill
• Brooksville
• Timber Pines
• Weeki Wachee
• Inverness
• Crystal River
• Homosassa
• Hudson
• Shady Hills
• Bayonet Point

Disclaimer

For the general public:  This Blog/Web Site is made available by the law firm publisher, The Law Firm of Brian S Brijbag PLLC, for educational purposes.  It provides general information and a general understanding of the law, but does not provide specific legal advice. By using this site, commenting on posts, or sending inquiries through the site or contact email, you confirm that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

For attorneys:  This Blog/Web Site is informational in nature and is not a substitute for legal research or a consultation on specific matters pertaining to your clients.  Due to the dynamic nature of legal doctrines, what might be accurate one day may be inaccurate the next.  As such, the contents of this blog must not be relied upon as a basis for arguments to a court or for your advice to clients without, again, further research or a consultation with our professionals.

See also:

• When should you get a lawyer for a car accident?
• Should I get an attorney for auto accident?
• What does a car accident attorney do?
• How much is an attorney for a car accident?