National Teen Driver Safety Week is Approaching. Here’s What You Need to Know About It
As we approach the end of September and enter into the month of October, there are many different safety observance campaigns occurring throughout the month, including National Teen Driver Safety Week. This campaign will run from October 21-27 and serves as a time when parents should sit down and discuss with their teens “the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a passenger car, truck, or SUV.” The U.S. Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Marketing says that some of the greatest dangers for teen drivers today are “alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding,” and traveling with multiple passengers.
During this week, parents can take some extra time out of their day to educate their teens by using a variety of resources provided on behalf of the US DOT. Now, although this particular week is dedicated to the safety of teen drivers, it is important that parents are always teaching their teens safe driving practices and reiterating to them why they must drive carefully and responsibly. Did you know that auto accidents are the “leading cause of death for teens [between the ages of 15-18] in the United States? That means car crashes are responsible for taking more teen lives than other types of injuries, diseases, and violence.
With that in mind, it can never hurt to review with your teen the importance of being safe while on the road and making the right choices so that they don’t put their lives or anyone else’s at risk.
Helpful Resources Parents Can Share with Their Teens
If you aren’t sure what you should be discussing with your teen or you simply need something to guide your discussions, consider looking into the following resources that share information on the following topics:
Distracted Driving. We all know that distracted driving is dangerous but many of us feel that we will never be the one to engage in a crash, even when we take the risk here and there just to glance down at our phone. The fact is, accidents occur in a matter of seconds and you don’t want your teen thinking it is okay to engage in distracted driving, even if it is for a split second as that could be the one time when luck is not on their side.
Teens and Seat Belt Usage. Because it is inevitable that accidents are going to occur, your teen should understand the importance of wearing their seat belt as it could save their life in the event they are the unfortunate victim of a crash. Sadly, many teens are careless and don’t feel the need to strap themselves in every time they get behind the wheel. However, seat belts have proven to save lives and could save your teen’s if they happen to be rear-ended by a driver who failed to pay attention to the traffic ahead of them.
Underage Drinking. Although it is illegal for someone under the age of 21 years old to consume alcohol, teens are often peer-pressured into drinking and then find themselves having to drive home. That is why it is crucial that you discuss with your teen some ways to prevent underage drinking so that they avoid these types of situations that have the ability to impact or even take their life.
Now, if your teen has been involved in an accident in Columbus, OH, whether they were at fault or not, you will want to consult with an OH personal injury attorney as they may be entitled to collect compensation for the property damage and/or injuries they sustained. Car accident cases can become rather complex, especially when someone is partially at fault for causing it, which is why you need someone who understands this field of law working on your side and helping you.
Many car accident victims are often entitled to a fair amount of compensation but often don’t receive it because they didn’t have a legal representative helping them obtain it. Therefore, if you would like to find out what your teen’s accident is worth and how a personal injury lawyer can help you recover this amount, contact E. Ray Critchett, LLC today to schedule a consultation.
You can reach E. Ray Critchett, LLC at:1071 S. High StreetColumbus, OH 43206740-282-5393