Each year, teenagers across the country pass their driving test and earn their driver’s license. Beginning to drive is a milestone in a young person’s life but the roadways can be dangerous, especially for an inexperienced driver. New drivers are more likely to make mistakes, which can lead to a higher rate of accidents when compared to drivers with more experience.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents were the second leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. While there are numerous reasons why accidents occur, among the most common reasons accidents occur is due to distracted driving, drivers following too closely, speeding, and failing to check their blind spot.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, dialing a phone while driving increases the risk of an accident by six times while texting and driving increases the risk of an accident by twenty-three times. Accidents related to distracted driving often occur because drivers believe they can multitask while driving. However, operating a vehicle, especially as a new driver, requires an individual’s complete attention. Further, distracted driving is not limited to using the phone. Drivers can become distracted when traveling with friends, applying makeup, or eating.
Following Too Closely
Tailgating is the most common type of accident and is a common mistake made by young drivers. Tailgating occurs when a vehicle follows another too closely. Tailgating can be dangerous as the vehicle following does not have enough time to react if the car in front of you comes to a sudden stop, causing a rear-end collision. According to the National Safety Council, a driver should maintain three seconds’ worth of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Experts recommend observing the vehicle in front of you as it passes a fixed point such as a traffic sign and observing how long it takes for your vehicle to pass that point. However, three seconds is the minimum space that should exist between cars.
Speeding
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, from 2015 to 2019, drivers between the ages of sixteen to nineteen were involved in 15,510 car accidents. Among those accidents, one-third involved speeding. While speeding itself is dangerous, speeding is among the most deadly errors a new driver can engage in due to the countless consequences that can occur as a result. Drivers who speed often lose control and fail to keep their cars on the road. As a result, drivers collide with trees, utility poles, or parked cars. Parents of new drivers should talk to their children about the dangers of speeding.
Failing to Check Blind Spot
The National Safety Council defines a blind spot as the area around a vehicle that a driver cannot see. While mirrors are helpful at detecting potential risks, they cannot guarantee that no hazards exist. However, the amount and location of blind spots are unique to each driver. To avoid accidents, new drivers should become aware of their blind spots and practice checking them when they adjust their mirrors. Also, drivers should ensure that their vehicles’ windows are clean to optimize visibility.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
At TonaLaw, we understand the pain and difficulties our clients go through after they have been injured in an accident. Whether your injury is the result of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or a workplace injury, we can help you recover medical costs, lost income, and most importantly, peace of mind.
With over twenty years of experience, our office is familiar with the deceitful tactics insurance companies utilize so they can pay you less than you deserve. However, at TonaLaw, our clients know their attorney is working tirelessly to get them the settlement they deserve.
For these reasons, you need a New York personal injury attorney who will ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. For legal services ranging from personal injury and no-fault collections to business litigation, call TonaLaw toll-free today at 1(833) TONALAW or text 1 (631) 780-5355.
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