It was in early March when a student of a Hardin County high school lost her life in a car accident. The 18-year-old was on the fast track to success, having already earned 30 college credits while working towards high school graduation. She was the third student lost in six months from just that one school. It’s a growing problem throughout the country. The fact of the matter is, teen drivers are more likely to get into accidents once they start learning how to drive. It’s not only that they’re more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, such as texting and driving; it’s that they simply don’t have the experience to react to dangerous situations in a safe manner. It’s a thought that terrifies parents, which is why every parent needs to know how to keep their teen safe once they get that coveted driver’s license. Know the Risks According to the National Safety Council, 50 percent of all teens will get into a car accident before they graduate high school. No one wants to think about the chance of their teen getting into an accident, but it does happen. Teens are particularly at risk within the first few months of obtaining their license, when they have very little experience behind the wheel and are most excited to drive. Practice, Practice, Practice The only solution to a teen’s inexperience is to let them drive, as scary as it is for parents. Experts suggest practicing driving with a teenager for at least 30 to 50 hours while the parent is in the passenger seat. In order to get the most practice for the variety of conditions that are present on the roads, it’s important that this practice takes place during different times of the day, with different volumes of traffic, and with different road conditions. This can help them gain experience, and will reduce the chances they get into an accident. Teach Defensive Driving The safest bet against an accident is having some knowledge of defensive driving. This includes remaining a safe distance behind other vehicles, being aware of a person’s surroundings, and knowing what safe routes to take to avoid an accident, such as swerving to the shoulder to avoid an accident up ahead. Review many different situations with your teen, including what to do if an animal wanders onto the road, or if a large truck suddenly swings out into traffic. Send Them to Drivers’ Education Classes Parents are certainly great teachers, and this includes when their child starts learning to drive. A professional drivers’ education course, though, is a real benefit to anyone about to go out on the road. These professionals understand what actions teens are more likely to take, and will give them real hands-on training behind the wheel. Not only is drivers’ education a good idea, but it’s also a requirement in the state of Kentucky for anyone wishing to obtain a driver’s license. Be a Role Model It may not seem like it all the time, but teenagers watch what their parents are doing and are likely to mimic it. This means that at all times, parents should wear their seatbelts, refrain from texting and driving, and never get behind the wheel after having a couple of drinks. Showing your teen what safe driving looks like is one of the best ways to instill good driving values in them. Give Them Back-Up Little in life is as overwhelming as the moments immediately following a car crash, especially if you’re a new driver. That’s why Morrin Law Office is making sure its clients are never alone when tragedy strikes with their new app. Operating like a free version of OnStar, the Morrin Law Injury Help app enables its users to completely and conveniently document the scene of an accident: photos, videos, location, and vehicle/contact information for the other driver, any witnesses, and the reporting officer. One can also find and contact the nearest emergency services (such as hospitals and towing companies), readily store license and insurance information, review frequently asked questions and accident advice, and even record any trip with a dashboard camera. The app recognizes an accident the second it happens using the phone’s built-in accelerometer and GPS and notifies the user’s listed emergency contacts via text message, even if the app is operating in the background. Using sophisticated car crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it can easily distinguish between a hard brake and a true accident. Download the app now on your teen’s Apple or Android devices. Were You or Your Teen in an Accident? Contact a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer Even when teenagers are extremely careful behind the wheel, accidents still sometimes happen and teens aren’t automatically at fault just because of their young age. If your teenager was in an accident and someone else was at fault, they can still claim compensation, and a Richmond car accident lawyer can help them get it. If you or your child has been in a car accident, contact Morrin Law Office at (859) 358-0300. We will review the facts of the case, and collect evidence to help prove liability. This can help your teen claim compensation to help with their medical bills, property damage, and any other costs related to the accident. Everyone deserves justice when someone else is at fault for an accident. Let us help your family get it.
