6 Tips for Teen Drivers

On average, 6 U.S. teens die each day as a result of car accidents. At Gerash Steiner & Blanton, P.C., we want you to feel comfortable, confident, and, most of all, safe on the road. Read up on these 6 driving tips for teens.

1. Don’t Drive Distracted.

According to DMV.org, the average person loses focus for more than 4 seconds while texting and driving. In 4 seconds, at speeds of 60 miles per hour, you can drive the length of a football field. Driving this distance distracted exponentially increases your risk of having an accident.

Texting isn’t the only source of distraction. Tablets, radio dials, and even food can take your eyes or brain away from the road and impair your driving.

Get rid of the temptation, and keep your cellphone packed away or in the center console. Avoid distracting tasks, such as eating or applying makeup. Keep your mind focused and vigilant while driving.

2. Limit the Number of Friends You Drive.

If you just got your license, you probably want to celebrate with your friends. Before you go pick them up, consider this: Having more than one teenager in a car increases the risk of a fatal accident. Friends can distract your attention away from the road, making it riskier to drive.

Get comfortable driving alone. Give yourself an amount of time where you do not drive passengers. In some cases, this probationary period is actually mandated by the state. Research your local laws and learn what applies to you.

3. Buckle Up Every Time.

Seat belts save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts saved the lives of over 14,000 people in 2016. If you are planning on getting behind the wheel, make sure you, and every person you drive, wear a seatbelt. Make it mandatory.

This will not only protect you from traumatic injury in the case of an accident, it will prevent you from getting a pricy ticket from a police officer as well.

4. Practice Driving on the Highway or at Night.

Unfortunately, many driving programs and instructors don’t emphasize the importance of driving at night or on the highway. If you do not have enough experience driving in these situations, you may timid or scared, which can actually increase your risk of having an accident.

Start small and practice driving on the highway during slower times. Get used to the traffic and how to navigate with other drivers. If nighttime driving makes you nervous, practice during the evening before it gets completely dark.

Keep your lights on and drive in low-traffic areas. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become.

5. Drive the Speed Limit.

Especially when on the highway, it is very easy to push too much on the gas pedal and find yourself driving faster than the speed limit. Stay aware of your speed, and slow down if you need to. Lowering your speed eliminates the risk of getting a speeding citation and reduces your risk of getting into an accident.

6. Be Aware of Others on the Road.

Even if you remain completely focused and committed to driving safely on the road, others might not share your commitment. Stay aware of other drivers on the road. If you see someone texting or swerving, avoid driving next to or behind them.

Anticipate what others might do if they can’t see you, and drive defensively. Consider taking a defensive driving course. This can help keep you safe on the road, and many insurance companies will lower your monthly bill as a reward for passing the course.

If You Were Injured in a Car Accident, Call Gerash Steiner & Blanton, P.C. Now!

At Gerash Steiner & Blanton, P.C., we understand how a car accident can affect your family. If you were injured in a car accident, contact our Denver injury attorneys.

Not only does our team have experience with car accident cases, but Attorney Eric Steiner M.D. also has more than 20 years of experience in the medical field. This gives us the ability to better analyze your medical documents and use them to present a stronger claim.

Discuss your case today with our Denver accident lawyers. We can help fight for you to get the financial compensation you deserve. Call us now!