As a teen driver, you probably can't wait to get out on your own and explore the surrounding area. Driving comes with a big increase in freedom, but it also comes with an increase in responsibility. Sadly, many teens involved in accidents are found to be at-fault for those accidents due to behaviors they displayed while driving. When you're at-fault for an accident, your insurance bills will often go up, and you may even need to hire a lawyer to represent you when the other party sues to collect damages.
So, how do you avoid at-fault accidents and lawsuits as a teen driver? Start by following these tips.
1. Put your phone in the back seat.
Surely, you're aware that texting while driving and talking on your phone while driving are dangerous. However, it's so tempting to grab your phone and just take a quick glance as you're driving down the road. It only takes a second of inattention for an accident to occur, so even the occasional glance at your phone is not safe. To avoid this temptation, get into the habit of putting your phone in the backseat or in the glove box before you take off driving. If you suddenly realize you need to send a message or make a call, this forces you to pull over and make the call where it's safe to do so.
2. Drive alone.
You may have dreams of driving all over the place with your best friends in the backseat, but set those dreams aside for the time being. Passengers can be very distracting when you're a new driver. Plus, if you get in a car accident with a passenger, the legal proceedings can get complicated, requiring that you hire a car accident attorney to represent you. Driving alone makes it easier for you to concentrate on the road and make safe driving decisions. If you do need to drive with a passenger from time to time, make sure they know to be quiet and respectful as you drive.
3. Don't speed.
Even if the adults who taught you how to drive were notorious for going a few miles per hour over the speed limit, make it your priority to stay below the posted speed limit. Your reaction time is not yet as fast as that of a more experienced driver, so the slower you go, the safer you will be. Plus, on the off chance you are in a collision, the damage will be less if you are not speeding. You can be held liable for a crash if you are speeding when it occurs, too, so staying below the speed limit is a smart idea from a legal perspective.
4. Avoid eating while driving.
With all of the obligations in your life, you may feel like you barely have time to eat. But eating behind the wheel is not a smart choice. Studies have indicated that people who eat while driving are 3.6 times more likely to get in a crash than those who are not eating or drinking behind the wheel. Eat your snacks and meals before you pull out of the parking lot!
5. Look ahead.
When driving, you should really get into the habit of looking a few cars ahead of you so that you notice and can avoid any problems more easily. If you see someone put on their brakes or swerve a few hundred feet ahead, you have plenty of time to react and avoid a collision.
If you follow the tips above, you will decrease your chances of a crash as a new teen driver. In the event that you are involved in a collision, talk to car accident law services like St Martin & Bourque LLC in your area. Lawsuits and insurance claims can get complicated when you are a young driver, and a lawyer can ensure you are treated fairly.
Share6 July 2018
My name is Noni. When I was in college, I was hit by a car while crossing the street. My life was never in danger, but I did break a few bones and had a lot of huge medical bills. I was hoping I wouldn't have to get involved with an attorney, but unfortunately, it came down to that. I used a family friend who is an accident attorney to get some compensation. A few years later, I was hit while riding my bike and had to go through the same process. I suppose I'm lucky to be alive. And it's thanks to accident attorneys that I have been able to put my life back together. I started this blog as a way to let others know just how much lawyers can help you in certain situations.