Teens And Driving Dangers Associated With A Summertime Car Crash In Florida

While teenagers are excited to pass their driver’s test and get their driver’s license—giving them their independence and taste of freedom—the truth is that the first year behind the wheel can be very dangerous. Not only do teens have a higher chance of causing a car crash, but they are more likely to die in wrecks that also result in the fatalities of passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.

Because parents love their children and want to protect them, parents need to be cautious before handing over the keys to the car this summer. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teens’ inexperience, attraction to speed, and lure of distracted driving are factors that lead teenagers to be at high risk of causing a car crash in Florida.

Sadly, car accidents are still the leading killer of teenagers—especially during the months between May and August when teens are on summer break. This is partly due to the following distractions:

• Texting. Teens are more likely to participate in texting while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 21 percent of teen drivers were involved in fatal wrecks in 2011. Sadly, this number is likely to be higher now.
• Talking. Teen drivers are tempted to call their friends while driving. Because new drivers don’t have the experience and skills to make the safest choices behind the wheel, talking on the phone can be very distracting and cause them to make poor judgment calls while driving.
• Passengers. Teens are likely to transport teen passengers over the summer and are often distracted by young passengers. Sadly, 60 percent of teenage passenger deaths are associated with teen drivers, according to the Institute for Highway Traffic Safety.

Because teenagers are tempted to text and talk while driving, parents can help their teenagers navigate year one of driving and stay safe behind the wheel through technology. There are many different cellphone apps or in-vehicle technologies that can help monitor a teen’s driving and block incoming phone calls and text messages when the car is on. It is important to research some of the technological advancements from cellphone companies and auto manufacturers to help keep your teen driver safer.

If your teen was harmed by another driver, you may have a Florida personal injury claim. To learn more about your rights, contact the Law Office of David Benenfeld. You can speak with a personal injury lawyer in South Florida in a free consultation today by calling (954) 677-0155