New teen drivers are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal car accident. Why? Here are just three of the most common mistakes we see from new drivers.
1. Getting Distracted
We remember those high school days of driving your friends around, grabbing fast food with the $10 you have in your wallet, and enjoying the freedom of being behind the wheel. But driving comes with distractions, especially at that age. Distractions like:
Distractions cause a majority of traffic accidents. According to AAA, "Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes..."
- focusing too much on the conversation you're having with passengers
- texting
- changing the Spotify playlist
- doing your makeup
- eating
- window-shopping while driving through commercial areas
Distractions cause a majority of traffic accidents. According to AAA, "Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes..."
2. Overcompensating
It's easy for a new driver to overcompensate while driving. They break too fast. They turn too sharp. They accelorate too quick. These mistakes are normal and take a little practice and experience to correct.
A lot of these types of mistakes are the result of panicing during unexpected events, like being cut-off, being tailgated, or when it suddenly rains or gets windy.
A lot of these types of mistakes are the result of panicing during unexpected events, like being cut-off, being tailgated, or when it suddenly rains or gets windy.
3. Taking Unnecessary Risks
Driving can sometimes seem like a sport for teens, especially when trying to impress passengers. The consequences of certain risks are rarely considered. This risky driving behavior commonly includes:
When the actual act of driving becomes an afterthought, bad things happen, especially when more people are in the car.
- speeding past slower cars
- not wearing a seatbelt
- blasting loud music
- accelerating through yellow lights
- tailgating and swerving from lane to lane
- interacting with other passengers
When the actual act of driving becomes an afterthought, bad things happen, especially when more people are in the car.
If you've been injured in a car accident, whether you're a teen or a parent of a teen, call Wilkes & Mee today. Our Jacksonville car accident attorneys can help you with the legal process of getting full compensation while you worry about your health.