Protect Your Teen from Distracted Driving Accidents

While drivers of all ages can become distracted, driver inattentiveness appears to be especially prevalent among teens. Calling friends, sending quick text messages and even using cell phone apps, can all pose serious dangers to teens and others on the road.

Distracted driving has caught national attention. The federal government has even created a website, Distraction.gov, designed to cover this very subject. According to this website, distracted driving is not that different than drunk driving.

Teenagers lack the experience that older drivers have and they tend to make decisions that put themselves in danger. A teen driver will have a more difficult time judging how dangerous a distraction might be. Teens may make the fatal mistake of believing that since they were able to successfully drive and text at the same time, they can continue to do so without consequence. They start to think they are invincible and continue to put their lives, and others, in harm’s way.

Every year, thousands of people are killed in distracted driving accidents and many more are injured. If you have a teenager, you need to take some time to reinforce the rules of driver safety.

Here are some tips:
 

1. Communicate with your teen the significant danger associated with distracted driving. You might want to consider enforcing a rule of “no cell phone while driving.”
2. Limit the number of passengers that your teen can have in the car. The more friends that pile in the vehicle, the greater the chances of your teen becoming distracted.
3. Look into programs that monitor your teen’s cell phone use. There are applications and software programs out there that give you the capability to monitor and control your son or daughter’s use of the phone.
4. Have your teen sign a contract. Create an agreement that outlines your driving rules. You can view a sample agreement on AAA’s website.

If you or a family member becomes injured in a car accident in New Hampshire or Vermont, contact our office at (877) 611-9622 or fill out our online form. One of our experienced New Hampshire car accident attorneys will be able to explain your legal options.

Be sure to order a FREE copy of our book, The Essential Guide to Your Vermont or New Hampshire Accident Case.