Most drivers find themselves in at least one accident, and new drivers in their teens are especially likely to be in an accident. They simply don’t have extensive driving experience and they may make mistakes due to their new driver status. Unfortunately, teens can also panic and makes serious mistakes after a car accident.
Some of the more common mistakes that minors may make after an accident include:
Driving in Hollywood in the summer is beautiful because you can see of the shoreline and the beautiful architecture and green spaces of this part of the country. However, driving anywhere in South Florida in the summer comes with certain additional risks.
Whether you are visiting or you are a resident and driving in Hollywood, make sure that you look out for these hazards which can lead to a serious Hollywood car accident:
Short-term rentals have become more popular in places such as Hollywood, Miami, and other parts of Southern Florida. Short-term rentals are one way for homeowners to make money, but having guests in a home can also lead to injuries. In addition, some homeowners associations and neighbors are unhappy about residences being turned into part-time (or, in some cases, full-time) hotels.
One of the risks with short-term rentals has to do with the potential of car accidents. There are many reasons why short-term rentals can increase the risk of car collisions in some Hollywood and South Florida communities:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has declared May to be motorcycle safety awareness month. As part of the effort to reduce motorcycle accidents in Hollywood and other Florida cities, FDOT has partnered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to offer affordable motorcycle safety courses. If you ride, this is an ideal opportunity to get some classes to stay safer on the roads.
In addition to taking courses, there are several things you can do to stay safer on your motorcycle and in your car during May and for the rest of the year:
Young drivers have some of the highest insurance rates around, and a big part of this has to do with the fact that statistically speaking, young drivers are more likely to take part in risk taking activities behind the wheel. According to research, this is especially true of young male drivers who are in the car with their peers.
The idea that your child may be hood surfing, speeding, driving stunts, drag racing, or taking part in any dangerous activities can be hard to believe. However, the parents of teenagers who are seriously injured or even killed by taking part in these activities often tell authorities that they had no idea their child was involved in these types of situations. Children may be injured the first time they try an unsafe driving maneuver. In some cases, too, children go well out of their way to keep their more risk taking activities a secret from their parents.
You may think your children are too young to talk to about car safety before the age of 16 or so, but it is one of the most important conversations you will have with your kids, regardless of their age. The reality is that long before your children have their learner’s permit, they will be driven around by other people, including family, friends, babysitters, and more. They are still at risk of auto accidents, long before they can drive. In fact, car accidents in Hollywood and other South Florida communities are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities involving children.
Of course, the adults in your child’s life have a responsibility to keep your child safe. However, it’s never too early to start teaching your children a healthy respect for cars and teaching them the good habits they will need for the rest of their life. From an early age, you will want to talk to them about several topics:
Tourists are quite common in Hollywood, Miami, and other parts of southern Florida. At this time of year, events and the summer season mean that tourists are arriving across the region. While tourists do bring a great boost to the economy, they may not be familiar with local streets or even local laws and driving conditions, which can put them at risk of pedestrian car accidents in Hollywood and other local communities.
If you live in the area, you will want to take steps now to help prevent car accidents involving tourists:
If your children are under the age of 21 and cannot legally purchase or drink alcohol, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about drunk driving. Underage drunk driving accidents in Homestead, Hollywood, Miami, and other Florida communities, unfortunately, are all too common. Many parents assume their child would never drink while a minor, but it is in fact common practice. Children often face considerable pressure from their peers and many start drinking much, much earlier than parents realize.
In addition, children may get into a car with older friends or friends’ siblings, who may be under the influence. Some children who are injured in drunk driving accidents involving an inebriated and underage driver are not always the ones who are drinking. In some cases, they are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time but may still pay a price in serious injuries.
The news has been filled with safety warnings about ride share services following a high-profile case in New Jersey, where a woman was murdered after getting into what she believed was her ride share car. Attacks on passengers and even car accidents can occur with ride sharing services, so it can be useful to follow a few tips to keep safe:
A study from the Governors Highway Safety Association has found that fatalities for pedestrian accidents in 2018 increased. In fact, 2018 will be the most deadly year for pedestrian injuries since the 1990s.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, an estimated 6227 US pedestrian suffered fatal injuries in 2018. Researchers suggest more SUVs on the roads, more risky driving behaviors, and more pedestrians walking more often.
Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
