Get Information & Tips on How to Prevent Distracted Teen Driving From Pope & Howard, P.C.
Teen drivers have historically been more likely than adult drivers to be involved in car accidents because of their inexperience, immaturity, and likelihood of being distracted. Now that most teens have cell phones, however, the risks associated with teen distracted driving have become even more critical.
According to a 2015 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, distraction accounts for nearly 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe teen car crashes. In addition, only half of teens reach their high school graduation without being involved in a crash.
Learn more about the risks surrounding teen distracted driving car accidents from the Atlanta car accident lawyers at Pope & Howard, P.C., in Atlanta, Georgia.
According to the AAA study, the top distraction in teen accidents involved the driver being distracted by other passengers in the vehicle. The NHTSA recommends that parents of teen drivers limit the number of passengers that teens are allowed to drive. The safest number of friends a teen driver should have in the car is zero.
The second-most common distraction for teen drivers is cell phone use, which a 2015 study found to be the cause of 12% of teen car crashes. In the moments leading up to a car accident, video evidence shows that teens using cell phones had their eyes off the road for an average of 4.1 out of 6 seconds before the crash.
State laws can only do so much to prevent teens from using their phones while driving. Much of the responsibility lies with parents to impress upon their teens the dangers of talking and texting while driving.
Anyone is susceptible to a moment of distraction while driving, but teens are especially at risk because of their inexperience behind the wheel. Coupled with distracted driving, teen accidents often occur due to a teen’s driving error or misjudgment.
In order to keep inexperienced teen drivers as safe as possible on the road, parents, law enforcement and teens themselves should do everything in their power to eliminate distractions.
One important strategy parents can use to prevent distracted driving is to set a good example. Even young children observe and learn from their parents’ driving behaviors. Parents should never use their cell phones or drive distracted, both for their own safety and in order to teach an important lesson to teens.
Parents should also have an open and honest talk with their kids about distracted driving. A recent study shows that a mere 25% of parents have spoken with their teens about dangerous driving habits. Teens listen more than parents give them credit for—talk with your child about your own driving experiences and advice in order to keep them safe on the road.
If you or your teen have been injured in a distracted driving accident, please contact the Atlanta car accident attorneys at Pope & Howard, P.C., in Atlanta, Georgia. Our team has extensive experience working on behalf of those injured or killed in traumatic car accidents.
With years of experience as trial lawyers, Marc Howard and Geoff Pope represent clients' interests who have been injured or treated wrongly due to the negligence of others. If you have suffered from any of the above wrongs, contact the experts at Pope & Howard P.C. to set up a free consultation. Contact us via our contact form or by phone: 404-885-9999.
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