October is Teen Driver Safety Awareness Month

Teen Driver Safety Awareness Month is observed every October in the U.S. and focuses on promoting safe driving habits among teenagers. It raises awareness about the unique challenges teen drivers face, such as inexperience, distractions (like phones or friends), and risky behavior. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities involving young drivers by educating teens and their parents on the importance of safe driving. Anthem Injury Lawyers wants all drivers including teen drivers and their parents to know about road safety and best practices for driving. Read on for information on teen driver safety.

Key Points About Teen Driver Safety:

• Inexperience: Teens are still learning the rules of the road, making them more prone to mistakes.
• Distractions: With phones, social media, and even passengers, teens are often distracted while driving.
• Risky Behaviors: Speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and driving under the influence are common risks.
• Higher Accident Risk: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, particularly in their first few years of driving.

Safety Tips for Teen Drivers

1. Avoid Distractions:
   • Don’t use your phone while driving. Avoid texting, checking social media, or even using GPS unless it’s hands-free.
   • Limit the number of passengers, especially other teens, as they can be a distraction.
2. Follow Speed Limits:
   • Stick to the speed limit and adjust your speed for weather or road conditions.
   • Speeding reduces the time you have to react to potential dangers on the road.
3. Always Wear a Seatbelt:
   • Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. Make it a habit for you and all your passengers.
4. Practice Defensive Driving:
   • Be aware of other drivers and expect the unexpected. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and always be prepared to react to sudden stops or turns.
5. Limit Nighttime Driving:
   • The risk of accidents increases at night, so try to avoid driving late, especially during the first few months of driving.
6. Don’t Drive Under the Influence:
   • Never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. Even small amounts can impair your reaction time and judgment.
7. Understand the Rules of the Road:
   • Make sure you are familiar with all traffic signs, signals, and laws. This includes rules about yielding, merging, and stopping at red lights and stop signs.
8. Stay Calm and Focused:
   • Emotions can affect your driving. If you’re upset, angry, or anxious, take a moment to calm down before getting behind the wheel.
9. Prepare for Emergencies:
   • Know what to do in case of a breakdown or accident. Keep an emergency kit in the car with essential items like a spare tire, tools, first-aid kit, and a phone charger.
   • Make sure your insurance ID card and registration are easy to find. Everyone should keep their car neat and organized.
   • Keep Anthem Injury Lawyers phone number in your cell phone. After calling 911 if you get in an accident, call your parent or guardian and then call Anthem Injury Lawyers at 702-987-0202 to get advice about what to do next.
10. Take a Safe Driving Course:
    • Consider taking a defensive driving or advanced safety course to improve your skills and build confidence on the road.
    • There are many organizations that offer teen driving courses including:
      1.  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
      2. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
      3. National Safety Council (NSC) – Teen Driving Program
      4. Impact Teen Drivers
      5. Teens in the Driver Seat
      6. AAA Foundations for Traffic Safety
      7. You can also check with your local law enforcement agency. The Nevada Highway Patrol has designed a program called D.R.I.V.E. to help teen drivers understand the dangers of driving. You can reach them by emailing [email protected].

By following these tips and being mindful of the risks, teen drivers can help keep themselves and others safe on the road. If you have been in an accident and it wasn’t your fault, call Anthem Injury Lawyers at 702-987-0202 or visit us at AnthemInjuryLaw.com. We are your local car accident attorneys. We drive results for car accident victims.