Teen drivers are at risk

April 27, 2013 (Press-News.org) Floridians with teenagers are right to be concerned when their children get behind the wheel. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Statistics reported by the CDC indicate that about 3,000 teenagers died on America's roads in 2009.

The problem with teen drivers

The CDC says that drivers aged 16 to 24 have the highest accident rate. These young drivers have about 150 accidents per 1,000 drivers, compared to less than 80 accidents per 1,000 for all other age groups. And when considering number of crashes based on miles driven, young drivers are four times more likely to have an accident than other drivers.

Teens are especially vulnerable to motor vehicle accidents for a number of reasons. These include:
- Distracted driving, due to using cell phones, eating or adjusting the radio
- Driving with other teens in the car, which increases the risk of an accident more and more with each additional teenaged passenger
- Inexperience, proven by the fact that teens have the highest accident rate during their first year as licensed drivers

Failing to wear seat belts contributes to death and injury for all age groups, and teenaged drivers unfortunately are the group least likely to comply with seat belt laws. Another factor that increases the dangers for all drivers is nighttime driving, with teens at the highest risk for fatal accidents at night.

A solution from Florida sheriffs

In 2007 the Florida Sheriffs Association introduced its Teen Driver Challenge program all over the state, following a successful pilot program in Leon County. According to the FSA, more than 35 Florida counties are on board with TDC.

The curriculum for TDC was developed by a team of driving experts certified as emergency vehicle operators. The course includes 12 hours of training, over two days, at no cost to the 15- to 19-year-old students enrolled. Students take a pre-test before beginning the course and a post-test upon completion, as a part of the four-hour classroom component of TDC. The remaining eight hours are spent on a driving course.

Every student who participates must have valid driver's license or learner's permit and bring a vehicle that they usually drive for the behind-the-wheel part of the course, with proof of insurance. Those who have a learner's permit must bring a licensed driver to accompany them on the driving range.

With a recommended five-to-one student-teacher ratio, teens receive plenty of individual attention. The classroom segment covers issues like distracted driving, seatbelt use and traffic laws. The driving range is often located at a law enforcement training facility, but trainers can use any large empty open area, and some even use airport runways. Young drivers practice safe braking, cornering and other skills.

Teens who complete the course receive a certificate they can take to their car insurance companies to be considered for reduced rates. The eight hours on the driving range can also be included in the 50-hour requirement for Florida's Graduated Driver's License Program.

Accidents do continue to happen, and anyone who is injured as a result of someone's negligence should look into seeking compensation. A personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit seeking payment of medical expenses and lost wages, along with money for pain and suffering. Relatives of a person who dies in a crash can sue for wrongful death damages.

Article provided by Law Offices of Arturo Dopazo, III, P.A.
Visit us at dopazolaw.com