When Car Crashes Involve Teen Drivers
Because teen drivers lack experience and time behind the wheel, their age group typically causes a disproportionate amount of serious car accidents. It takes time for teenagers to develop the skills they need to drive safely, and it is critical for parents to work with their teens to create and maintain safe driving habits.
At Hazelton Law Group, we are a local Northern Minnesota law firm that provides the personal service and connection those in our communities need in times of crisis. With more than 45 years of combined experience, our family-owned firm is highly respected when it comes to personal injury and car accident cases. We are compassionate during a difficult time and yet determined when seeking compensation.
We serve clients in both Bemidji and Grand Rapids, along with all of Northern Minnesota, North Dakota and Alaska. Those who have been injured can trust our legal team to put them first and seek to maximize their compensation claim whenever possible.
Why Do Teens Have Such High Accident Rates?
As noted above, inexperience is one of the main reasons for the high accident rates. Another major factor in accidents involving teenagers, though, is distracted driving. Distractions can include:
- Texting, talking on or checking a cell phone
- Talking with friends
- Adjusting music
- Eating or drinking
- Putting on makeup
Smartphones can be addictive, so phone use is one of the main reasons for distraction especially among teens. Even sending a quick text or checking a message on a phone can be extremely dangerous when behind the wheel.
Furthermore, the risk on the roads goes up in the summer. During the school year, teen drivers typically spend far less time behind the wheel due to the much more structured schedules of school days. In the summer, more free time leads to more time spent behind the wheel. Accident rates involving teen drivers across the country spike each year from June through August.
What Can Parents Do To Keep Their Teens Safe?
Parents of new teen drivers can do their part to instill and model safe driving behaviors. Talk to your teen about the risks of driving while distracted or impaired, and set a good example for them to follow. Take your teen out for occasional practice driving sessions, separate from their driver’s education classes. This can be a good time to talk about safe driving behaviors and even work on improving their driving skills.
What Should Parents Do After An Accident?
Whether your teen was involved in an accident or hit by another teen driver, it is crucial to know what legal steps to take to protect your interests. Call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to explore your options.
You or your child may deserve compensation for lost wages, medical bills and much more. To set up a free consultation, you can get in touch with our experienced team by using the online contact page or dialing 218-210-2043 today.