The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s statistical data for teen drivers is sobering to say the least and with the proliferation of social media and increasingly capable cell phones, young drivers have in many ways become their own worst enemy on the road. Nearly 2,000 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed in car crashes in the United States in 2011 and more than 180,000 additional drivers in the same age group suffered serious injuries. In order to reduce these sobering numbers, there are things that teens can do to make themselves, their passengers, and others on the road safer.
- Do NOT Text – Texting while driving and the horrific consequences that result have become an epidemic in the United States over the last several years. Adults are culpable for texting behind the wheel as well but the majority of accidents that occur from it are at the hands of teenage drivers.
- Do not drink and drive – Drunk driving accidents and fatalities have fortunately dropped substantially over the past 35 years but it is still a significant problem in America. For teens and individuals under the age of 21, drinking is still illegal in the US but for young drivers over 21 who may have plans to drink, a plan should also be made for getting home before drinking begins.
- Always wear seat belts – Teen drivers should not only develop a habit of putting on their seat belt every time they get behind the wheel, but of also insisting that all of their passengers wear theirs as well when riding with them.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an auto accident in Connecticut, contact the Stamford pedestrian accident attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at (888) 244-5480 – or Click here for a free case evaluation.
