Car wrecks cause a devastating number of injuries and fatalities to teenagers in New York City. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that crashes are the leading causes of death for teens in the United States. Many of these victims’ parents seek the help of an injury lawyer to pursue compensation for health-care bills and other damages.
Fortunately, these accidents are often preventable. Most of them result from driver inexperience, misjudgment and poor preparation. However, by following a few simple tips, your teen may be able to avoid becoming a statistic. If you or your teen was injured by a negligent driver, then contact a New York City injury lawyer from Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC. We will investigate the cause of your crash and determine if you may have valid grounds for a claim. With the right approach, you may be able to recover lost wages and medical expenses. Call us today at 212.227.2780 to schedule a consultation. Until then, read on to learn five essential driving tips for teenagers:
- Never Use a Cell Phone while Driving
Cell phone use is a leading cause of accidents among teenage drivers, but according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, parents can prevent these crashes by enforcing a strong no-phone policy. Research shows that driving while using a cell phone is the equivalent of driving drunk - even when you are using a hands-free device.
- Use Headlights When Appropriate
Ensure that your teen uses his or her headlights whenever appropriate. Headlights can improve the visibility of the car to other drivers, and they reveal oncoming hazards. While headlights can improve safety at all times of the day, they are particularly important at dusk, during the night and at dawn, as well as in inclement weather.
- Obey Traffic Laws
High speed causes a number of serious crashes, particularly when the driver is young and inexperienced. Make sure your teenage driver is aware of the dangers of high speed, and ensure that he or she always obeys the prescribed limit. It is equally important to educate your teen about the dangers of driving drunk or while under the influence of drugs. Encourage your teen to contact you if he or she is under the influence, and do not punish them for doing so.
- Do Not Transport Passengers
When young drivers travel with passengers, they are at a greater risk of causing an accident. If your teenage driver must pick up passengers, the DMV advises that he or she ensures everyone in the vehicle buckles up. It is also important that there are no young child passengers in the front seat. Even in low-impact collisions, airbags can activate and cause serious injuries to young front-seat passengers.
- Drive Defensively
If your teen practices defensive driving techniques, then there is a far lower risk that he or she will be in a crash. Teach the importance of maintaining a safe following distance and anticipating the actions of other drivers. Here’s a great resource for teens and their parents for more road safety tips. If you were in a car crash that another driver caused, then contact Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC. A New York City accident attorney will investigate your collision to determine if you may have a legitimate claim. Call us today at 212.227.2780 to schedule a consultation.
