Auto Accidents and Teens: Young Drivers Need to Exercise Caution
The team at The Tawwater Law Firm in Oklahoma City knows that major car accidents can result in severe injuries, permanent disability, and even death, which is why having a skilled lawyer on your side is so important. Any sort of driver can be a victim or the cause of an accident, though we've noticed that many teenage motorists and young drivers seem prone to being involved in accidents of different kinds.
Let's take a moment right now to look at why teenage drivers are more likely to cause accidents or contribute to them occurring.
Driver Inexperience Can Lead to Serious Accidents
Teenage drivers are far less experienced than adult drivers, which means a much greater likelihood of accidents occurring while young drivers are behind the wheel. It does take some familiarity with the road to be able to avoid hazards and really know what to do with regard to dangerous road conditions and so forth.
It pays for young drivers to take things easy and cautiously as they're getting familiar with what it's like on the road when they're behind the wheel. And yet, their inexperience also leads to bad decisions.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving
Texting while driving or any kind of cell phone use while behind the wheel can be very dangerous for motorists. Distractions from the road make various kinds of collisions more likely, especially rear end collisions. Any time that a person's eyes are off the road, this can lead to major injury or even death. This is why many states have instituted laws that explicitly prohibit texting and cellphone use while driving.
Young Drivers and Risky Behavior
In addition to making bad decisions about cellphone use and texting, a number of young motorists also make bad decisions when it comes to risky behaviors while driving. Speeding, in particular, is a major problem with young drivers, especially young men. Other risky behaviors include racing others, peeling out at stoplights, and doing donuts in parking lots.
Underage Drinking and Teenage Drivers
Maybe the worst decision that a person can make while behind the wheel is driving while under the influence of alcohol (or any controlled substance, for that matter). Alcohol impairs motor skills and makes people less mentally alert. Speeding, tailgating, running stoplights, and other ill-advised and illegal maneuvers on the road are more likely when someone drives while drunk.
While drinking alcohol is illegal for people under the age of 21, a number of teenagers drink and drive, often with deadly consequences.
What Parents Should Consider with Their Children
Parents need to stress to their teenage sons and daughters that driving is a privilege that should never be taken for granted. They should exercise caution on the road at all times and drive carefully, cautiously, and adhering to all of the rules of the road. Parents should not be afraid to put their foot down and restrict driving privileges should it come to that.
Speak with Our Personal Injury Attorneys
For more information about your legal options following a serious motor vehicle accident, be sure to contact our auto accident and personal injury lawyers today. We at The Tawwater Law Firm look forward to meeting you in person and helping you receive just compensation for serious injuries and any related hardships you have had to endure.