It is National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 20-26), a time to raise awareness about the dangers of teenage driving and to discuss how to make the Georgia roadways safer for all motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers ages 15-18 years old.
What You Should Know About National Teen Driver Safety Week
Teenagers are three times more likely to be in a deadly collision than other drivers. Why? Because of the teenager’s immaturity and inexperience behind the wheel. Teen drivers are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, being distracted by loud music or underage passengers, not wearing their seatbelt, and even driving under the influence.
Georgia has several laws in place to reduce the number of teen driver fatalities. The Graduated Driver Licensing Law is a tiered system for teenagers to earn and obtain their driver’s license. The system consists of three phases that teenagers progress through, depending on their age and driving abilities. At age 15, teens can apply for their learner’s permit and practice driving with a supervising adult. Their driving privileges expand until age 18 when they can apply for a full, unrestricted driver’s license. Georgia also implemented the Hands-free Distracted Driving Bill last year, which requires Georgia drivers to put down their cell phones and instead use hands-free communication technology while driving.
What Can Parents Do To Make Sure Their Teenagers Drive Safely?
While Georgia has safety provisions in place, it is the parents who make the biggest difference in teen driving safety. The National Safety Council advises parents to talk to their teenagers about the rules of the road and how to behave when they are operating a motor vehicle.
- Just like Georgia has a tiered system of driving privileges, parents should slowly introduce driving privileges to their teens. Wait until the teenager has safely mastered one skill before introducing a new one.
- Parents should practice with their teen drivers, both before and after the teens get their license. Parents can help teach their children how to drive, and make sure they are continuing to be safe drivers.
- Teaching a teen to drive is a group effort, and as such, both parents should be involved in the process. Be sure to be consistent with any driving rules and privileges.
- Parents should set a good example for their teens by engaging in the same safe driving habits that you want them to exhibit.
Burrow & Associates Are Here To Help You Through National Teen Driver Safety Week
While parents and local leaders are doing their part to keep teenage drivers safe, accidents do still happen. If you, or someone you know, has been involved in a collision and need help with your personal injury case, call the experienced personal injury attorneys at Burrow & Associates. You can contact us for your car accident case (678) 323-2394 today. We offer free consultations and have five offices conveniently located in Athens, Conyers, Duluth, Kennesaw, and Morrow.