Young drivers taking drivers classes are frequently told that driving is a privilege and the dangers of cars are carefully explained. Many young drivers are safe and responsible behind the wheel of a car, but some choose to speed, which can result in deadly single vehicle accidents in Hollywood and other Florida communities.
Single-vehicle accidents that claim the lives of young drivers are devastating for entire communities. A few days ago, two teens were killed in Lakewood Ranch when they lost control of their vehicle. The vehicle struck a tree with such force that car split in two and was tossed across two lanes. The entire community is in mourning over these lives lost too soon.
In England earlier this month, grieving families released a stark video of two young drivers killed in a roadway accident in East Sussex. They were speeding just before they hit a wall. The two young men had been filming a video inside the car just before their crash, so their final moments as well as the crash are recorded. Their families decided to release the video to encourage other young drivers not to speed.
If you have young drivers at home, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances that your teens will drive safely:
1) Drive safely yourself.
Your children model after you, and if you regularly speed they may not take your warnings about speeding seriously. Being a responsible, safe driver shows your young drivers that operating a car is a big responsibility.
2) Don’t assume your teens are safe drivers.
No parent wants to believe that their child is driving recklessly or is drinking and driving. However, some young drivers are taking risks, and chances are their parents are not aware. Even if you think your children are responsible, keep in mind that it only takes one mistake to cause a serious crash. Sit down and talk to your children about reckless driving, joyriding, hood surfing, and other risk-taking activities when driving.
3) Have rules in place for driving – and consequences for breaking those rules.
Make sure that your young drivers know they must obey traffic rules and always drive sober. Be prepared to take away driving privileges if those rules are broken.
4) Discourage passengers.
Studies have shown that teen drivers with multiple passengers are more likely to take risks behind the wheel – and the more young passengers they have, the greater the risk. Limit passengers in your teens’ car, at least until your teen has more experience on the road.
5) Have others enforce the dangers of speeding.
Law enforcement, family friends, and family can all be recruited to help explain the dangers of reckless driving. Your child may listen more closely if they hear the same message from a few sources.
6) Consider signing your young drivers up for racing classes.
It’s a safer outlet for them, and it can even teach them driving skills. Their racing instructor can also help explain the dangers of risk-taking on city streets.
If anyone in your family has been injured in a car crash, contact Flaxman Law Group. The legal team at our law firm would be happy to meet with you in a free accident consultation to discuss your legal situation.