If you have a teen in your life, you know that, as they are on the cusp of full-blown adulthood, their actions can run a wide range from devastatingly immature to wise beyond their years. The fluctuation in choices that teens are notorious for can make even the most laid-back parent or loved one fear for their teen’s well-being on the road. It is true that there are a number of dangerous driving behaviors associated with teens. These behaviors can lead to serious crashes, some fatal. To help us all stay safer on the roads, let’s take a look at some of the dangerous driving behaviors of teens and what can be done about them.
Dangerous Driving Behaviors of Teens
It may be no surprise to anyone, but one of the most dangerous and most common driving behaviors of teens is texting while driving. Texting takes a person’s attention and vision off of the road which can be an extremely dangerous combination. Despite texting while driving being a violation of the law in many states, the dangerous driving behavior persists, especially among the teen demographic. Teen drivers, put down your phone when you are driving. This could help you and everyone riding with you in your vehicle arrive safely at your destination.
It is a sad truth that teen passengers who feel unsafe in a vehicle with a driver who is not alert, such as one texting while driving, may not speak up about feeling unsafe. In fact, a significant portion of teens even feels unsafe riding with a parent behind the wheel. Teens, use your voice. If you are unsafe, let the driver know what they are doing to cause your unease. If you know one of your friends is not a trustworthy driver, do not get in the vehicle. It is not worth the tragic consequences that could occur.
To make matters worse, teen drivers frequently skip the use of seat belts. The importance of seatbelts really cannot be understated. Seatbelts are simply devices that cause minimal inconvenience at worst and will save a life at best. Teens, take a moment to properly fasten your seatbelt and make sure all of your passengers have done the same before heading out on the road.
Teens are also prone to packing in the passengers. Unfortunately, more passengers mean more distractions for the teen driver. There are more people to talk to and more people to look at. There are more excuses for taking eyes and focusing off of the road. All of this will increase the likelihood of a crash occurring. So, keep the passengers at a minimum. When you have passengers, speak up if they are being too distracting.
Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving at night are also dangerous driving behaviors commonly engaged in by teens and are also leading causes of accidents for teen drivers. Follow posted speed limits. Never drink and drive. If you can avoid driving at night, do so. At the end of the day, it is just not worth the risk.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys
At Cooper, Schall & Levy, our attorneys have handled tragic cases with teen drivers involved. We want you and your loved ones of any age to stay safe out there on the road. Should anyone ever be injured in a motor vehicle accident, we are here for you in your time of need. Contact us today.
