Posted in Distracted Driving,Tennessee Accident Law on August 28, 2016
Bridgestone Americas Provides Safe Driving Lessons for Teens and Young Drivers
Teens and young drivers between the ages of 15 and 21 with a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit were able to participate in Bridgestone Americas Teen Drive Smart event at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville this weekend.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the young drivers who took part in the event received classroom instruction and interactive driving exercises that were designed to help them make smart decisions while they’re behind the wheel.
A young driver who participated in the program says that it helps drivers his age develop better safe driving skills and strategies for avoiding accidents on the roadway.
Bridgestone Americas says that the event is most helpful for drivers who have around 30 hours of accumulated driving experience.
Important Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers make up a small percentage of people on the roadway, but because of their inexperience, they can pose significant risks to themselves, their passengers, and other drivers—especially if they haven’t received proper driver education and safety training.
Parents can help their teen drivers stay safe on the road by making sure they understand these facts and tips about teen driving:
Teens are still learning how to safely drive, and adding another young person to their vehicles can significantly increase their risk of accidents. The National Safety Council reports that teen drivers who have a single passenger have nearly a 50 percent higher chance of being involved in an accident of any kind than teen drivers who are alone in their vehicles.
Wearing a seat belt is the most important thing any driver or passenger can do, but teens are among the least likely out of all drivers to wear them. Parents can reinforce the importance of wearing seat belts by always wearing them around their children and by reminding them that not wearing a seat belt not only puts their lives at risk, but it can also result in them receiving a ticket—even if they aren’t involved in an accident.
Driving with a passenger in the vehicle increases the risk of accidents for teens, but driving after dark is statistically even more dangerous. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the fatal crash rate for teens is twice as high at night—with most accidents occurring between 9 p.m. and midnight.
In addition to driving too fast in general, teens are less likely than other drivers to understand when it’s necessary to reduce their speed and exercise more caution, such as when driving in rain, snow, ice, or fog. It’s helpful to drive with your teen in a variety of weather conditions and traffic situations to help them get used to adjusting their speed in different driving situations.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know that automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers, accounting for one-third of all teen deaths in the United States. Teens face unique challenges due to things like peer pressure and the fact their brains are still developing—which can occasionally result in poor judgment and decision-making skills. Parents can help their teens develop safe driving habits early in life by always setting good examples, such as driving at or below the speed limit and buckling up.
After accidents, it’s our goal to help innocent victims get the compensation they deserve for their medical bills and lost wages. We have two decades of experience building strong claims for people who were hurt in car accidents that weren’t their fault, and we know what it takes to win. To speak with our legal team, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today.
