At the law office of Klein & Carney Co., LLC, we know that there are many hazards you face every time you are on the road. From poor weather conditions to inattentive drivers, these dangers can impact you and other Ohio residents without warning. You should also be aware of the risks that are posed both to and by teenage drivers.
Motor vehicle accidents are the top cause of death for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 throughout America. The problem is so significant that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated October 21 through 27 this year as National Teen Driver Safety Week. This week, you might introduce the topic to your teenagers and review your expectations for whenever they get into a car with another teenager or when they drive.
Inexperience plays a large part in car accidents involving teenage drivers, as they don’t yet have a full knowledge on how to react to an unexpected hazard, such as an icy patch on the road or a driver veering in front of them. However, texting while driving, being distracted by their friends, underage drinking and lack of seatbelt use are other common ways that teenagers can be in accidents.
You may prevent your teenagers from being seriously injured by educating them and enforcing rules on safe driving. As our page on motor vehicle accidents explains, you may be eligible for compensation if your or your children are injured in an accident caused by a teenage driver or anyone else.