Teenagers and Car Accident Prevention – Teens in Car Crash Attorney
Of all the milestones during the teenage years, learning to drive is among the most exciting and rewarding. The young people of Pittsburgh yearn for the freedom of being able to get around on their own.
But with that freedom comes great responsibility. As an experienced teens in car crash attorney, Hal Waldman is all too familiar with all the dangers that young people face when they get behind the wheel.
Teen Driving Hazards
Teen drivers must face all the same challenges that adult drivers do. Tragically, the results can be disastrous for drivers with less experience.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teen death nationwide. While teenagers make up only 14 percent of the population, they are involved in a disproportionate 30 percent of all car accidents. In 2015, 6 teens died from a car accident every single day – over 2,300 through the year.
Causes of Teen Driving Accidents
Many of the most common causes of auto accidents among teens are also common causes for adult drivers. However, teens may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Some common causes of car accidents among teens include:
- Inexperience. Accidents are more likely just after a license is granted.
- Gender. Male drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident.
- Passengers. Teens often drive with other teens in their vehicle, which creates dangerous distractions.
- Distracted Driving. Teens spend a lot of time on their cell phones, and can form a bad habit of texting behind the wheel.
Tips for Preventing Teen Driving Accidents
Fortunately, there are things parents can do to help keep teenagers safe on the road.
- Emphasize the importance of seat belts. The majority of fatalities among teen drivers and passengers in Pittsburgh occur when seat belts are not worn. Not only are seat belts proven to reduce injuries and fatalities, they are required by law.
- Educate teens about drunk driving. While no parent wants to think their teenager is drinking, the reality is that too many teens do have access to alcohol before the legal drinking age. Talk about the risks and what to do if they end up in a drunk driving situation.
- Don’t skip driver’s education classes. Professionally taught driver’s education is proven to reduce teen driving risks by about 40 percent.
If you or your teen have been involved in any kind of car accident or motor vehicle accident, our best teens in car crash attorney have the experience needed to help. Please contact car accident attorney Hal Waldman & Associates online or by calling (412) 338-1000 to schedule a free consultation.