Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents
Parents can educate their teen drivers about the risks of distracted driving and of the importance of learning to drive safely.
June 12, 2011
Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving AccidentsOne of the most exciting times for a teenager is when he or she gets a driver's license and experiences a newfound freedom in mobility. Along with that freedom, however, is the great responsibility of driving a motor vehicle.
American teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal car accidents as adults. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation show that in 2009, nearly 5,500 people died and almost 500,000 were injured in accidents related to distracted driving.
Distracted driving includes any activity that causes a driver to lose concentration on driving, including playing music, eating, talking, or watching something outside the vehicle instead of the road. One of the most common distractions, however, is the use of a cell phone.
Studies from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute indicate that dialing a cell phone can increase the risk of an accident by six times, while texting increases the risk by 23 times. Reaction time is significantly decreased as well.
Parents can educate their teen drivers about the risks of distracted driving and of the importance of learning to drive safely. To sharpen a novice driver's skills, the driver can learn scanning. By noticing things before they happen, many accidents can be avoided. For example, if the light ahead is turning yellow, there is no need to speed up. Also, by anticipating that a driver who is looking away may not be aware of your presence, you can quickly take evasive action.
Speeding is extremely dangerous for anyone. Teens need to obey the speed laws and to compensate when inclement weather dictates that the speed limit may be too fast for road conditions.
Cell phones should be turned off when driving to resist the temptation to use them. Many states are banning cell phone use by any driver under 18, as well as texting by drivers of any age. Other common distractions can be remedied by keeping talking to a minimum, not eating while driving, and having a passenger change radio stations or CDs.
Driving can be fun, but all drivers need to learn that it comes with a responsibility -- to passengers and to others using the roadways -- to drive safely.
Article provided by The Law Office of John J Strazzula
Visit us at http://www.strazzullalaw.com