In the United States, motor vehicle crashes remain the number one leading cause of death for teenagers. Due to this, the week of October 20-26, 2019 is being dedicated as National Teen Driver Safety Week to raise awareness about safe teen driving and to continue seeking solutions to prevent teen injuries and fatalities on the roadway. Getting involved with this week can include starting conversations about safe driving behaviors and sharing safety messages with others- the most optimal way of changing behavior is to encourage positive action.
Statistics reveal that many lives could be saved each year if every driver and passenger in motor vehicles wore a seatbelt, followed the speed limit, and never got behind the wheel impaired. Knowing the appropriate traffic laws can enable teens to practice safe driving methods, which is what this week aims to accomplish. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a contributing factor in 26 percent of all fatal crashes and has been involved in one-third of all vehicle crash fatalities for more than two decades. This reckless behavior increases the likelihood of injury or death, especially for new and inexperienced drivers, such as teens.
It is encouraged that parents assign their own speed management house rules for their newly licensed teens, which can include slowing down in heavy traffic, in inclement weather, in road construction, and in the event of other hazards. It is important to remind teens that state speeding laws are applicaple only in optimal driving conditions and that they should reduce their speed in certain situations, regardless of the speed limit. Teens must gradually learn the ability to manage their speed based on road conditions and other factors, which will be a useful skill throughout their lives.
Additionally, teens are at an increased risk of distracted driving and families are encouraged to help manage this dangerous risk. Distracted driving inhibits teens’ abilities to react in potential crashes since they are inexperienced. It is recommended for parents to model safe driving behaviors for their teens to adopt when they are on the roadways by themselves, which includes limiting the number of peer passengers, not talking or texting on a cell phone, not changing the dashboard controls, eating or engaging in other activities while driving. A major crash risk for teens stems from having peer passengers in the vehicle, which makes them less attentive and focused. This fact should prompt parents to limit the number of peer passengers allowed in the vehicle with their teen drivers.
Within the Danville community, Danville Highschool’s Future Problem Solvers have continued to promote road safety through their “Project Ignition: Be the Key to Road Safety.” Spiros Law, P.C. has sponsored their initiative of placing signs at different locations throughout Danville that remind drivers of important road safety behaviors. Spiros Law, P.C. is proud to be involved with the group’s efforts to promote safe driving. Unfortunately, however, car crashes continue to occur every day at high rates, resulting in devasting damages to individuals and families. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motor vehicle crash due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. are readily available to assist you in your legal matters and handle each case with the compassion and attention it deserves. Contact one of our attorneys today at (217) 443-4343 to receive a free consultation.
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