At this time of year, there are more teens on the road as summer starts and classes end. Unfortunately, statistics suggest that teen drivers are also more at risk at this time of year when driving — especially if they are driving distracted. According to a yearly survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 58% of high school seniors and 43% of high school juniors admitted to emailing or texting within the past month.
While Florida does not have any laws banning the use of mobile devices on the roads, there is a great deal of awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Anecdotally, many drivers are aware that distracted driving causes Hialeah car accidents and serious injury. Statistics and studies have also proven that distracted driving can lead to serious car collisions.
According to the CDC, distracted driving causes about 16% of teen car accident fatalities.
Summer may compound the problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), summer is deadliest time of year for younger drivers under the age of 20. In addition, car accidents are the leading cause of teen fatalities, according to the organization. Each year, more than 5000 teens are killed in car collisions across the country. In the summer months, the number of teen fatalities in car accidents jumps to 422 deaths monthly, up from 363 deaths, on average, during the rest of the year.
During the summer, there are dual concerns for parents hoping to protect their teens from a Hialeah traffic accident. One factor is that the summer months are already a riskier time for teen drivers because teen drivers are spending more time on the road. Another factor is that teens are more likely than some other age groups to use mobile devices or drive distracted, pushing their risk of being in a Hialeah truck accident or car accident even higher.
The stakes may be even higher, as well. A serious at-fault accident during the teenage years could affect a teen driver’s driving privileges, driving records, and insurance rates for years. A serious car crash can also lead to criminal charges and even a criminal record against a teen – a record that could affect their life for years to come. The trauma of causing a serious accident and injuries or fatalities can also stay with a teen for years to come. Of course, if a teen driver drives distracted and is injured, the Hialeah head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries can affect income potential and life quality permanently.
In addition, teen drivers are still forming driving habits, so it is important to instill the habit of distraction-free driving in younger drivers. Parents of teen drivers can start by having honest discussions with their teens about the dangers of distracted driving. There are many good resources available online and from local police departments about the dangers of distracted driving. Parents can use these resources when helping their teens understand the dangers. A few discussions can help drivers understand the dangers and can help prevent Hialeah motorcycle accidents and car accidents.
If you need a Hialeah car accident attorney, contact the Flaxman Law Group. The Flaxman Law Group is proud to serve the entire South Florida area and is happy to offer free, no obligation consultations to all new clients.