The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is getting ready for National Teen Driver Safety Week, which is from October 19 – 25, this year. Since motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death for teens ages 14 to 18, the NHTSA is making this issue a top priority. The NHTSA’s “5 to Drive” rules are targeted at raising awareness about the five biggest issues facing teen drivers.
Safety Concerns Facing Teen Drivers
The NHTSA has singled out the top five safety concerns for teen drivers by analyzing data and statistics from car crashes involving teen drivers across the country. From drinking and driving to having too many passengers in the car, there are a variety of factors that can greatly increase a teen driver’s (or passenger’s) risk for being involved in an injury-causing or fatal accident.
Top Five Safety Concerns for Teens
1. Alcohol 2. Seat belts 3. Texting
4. Speeding 5. Passengers
Five to Drive
By addressing these safety concerns with teen drivers during dedicated conversations, parents can have a huge impact in their teen’s safety behind the wheel. Although teens aren’t legally allowed to consume alcohol, they’re actually at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes than drivers of any other age group. Teens should also be limited to no more than one peer passenger in their car at any time. Even seemingly small details can truly have a great impact on inexperienced drivers. The NHTSA offers parents a variety of resources for addressing these concerns, establishing the “5 to Drive” rules and entering into a safety contract with teen drivers.
Fatal Crash in Rutherford County
In August, we reported on a Rutherford County crash that took the life of a 15-year-old girl. The one-vehicle wreck happened when a teen driver reportedly lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a curve. Their truck left the roadway, flew down an embankment and hit several trees. Authorities did suspect excessive speed and driver inexperience to be factors.
What to do After a Crash
Inexperience and a variety of other factors can put teen drivers, passengers and other motorists on the roadway at a greater risk for injury-causing and fatal car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of crash, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The team at Davis Law Group, P.A. can be reached at 888-773-8388.