Lancaster, Pennsylvania Attorneys Preventing Teen Accidents
Teenagers are just that: teenagers. They lack experience. They are susceptible to peer pressure. They often feel "bullet proof." Studies have shown that our personalities and even our brains are not fully mature as teenagers. Irresponsible, often reckless, behavior is all too common.
Most states license teenagers to drive however, as young as 16 years old. The result is that auto accidents are a leading cause of death for teens.
Causes of Teen Auto Accidents
Beginners in any activity are less skilled than those who are more experienced. The beginning driver is less able or likely to anticipate the hazards (including actions of others) in many traffic situations. The teenage driver may have little or no experience driving in the rain or snow. He or she may have trouble adapting to driving an unfamiliar vehicle.
Teens underestimate dangerous situations. The excitement and sense of freedom can be overwhelming to young people. They are more likely to drink and drive, drive with distractions such as a group of peers, and to speed. They are also less likely to wear a seat belt.
The likelihood of an accident goes up dramatically with each additional occupant in a vehicle driven by a beginning driver.
How Can You Help?
You can:
- Foster a responsible attitude in young drivers in your family;
- Make time to practice with them;
- Insist that they maintain reasonable speeds;
- Insist that they avoid driving (or riding in) a car full of other teens;
- Insist that they avoid using a cell phone while driving; and
- Insist that they drive during daylight hours when they are new to driving.
Mikus Law Associates, P.C. cares about our teens and our community. Our firm serves people injured in accidents that were the fault of someone else, such as a distracted driver. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident, contact an attorney regarding legal liability and monetary compensation.
For a free consultation with an experienced trial lawyer, contact Mikus Law Associates today or call us toll free at 1-888-893-9891. For your convenience, evening, weekend and off-site appointments are available.
