Teen drivers in Missouri and across the U.S. run a higher risk of getting in a car crash than adult drivers. That risk goes up especially in the summer season when teens are more frequently out on the road. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has said that the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest of the year for teen drivers: Their chance of a fatal car crash increases an average of 15%.
For this reason, it’s important for parents to establish safe practices with their teens. Before going out, teens should know what roads to take. The vehicle should be regularly maintained with an emphasis on things like tire pressure and the condition of the brakes. Parents and teens should, of course, know each other’s phone numbers.
Parents should warn against unsafe behavior behind the wheel, including drugged and drunk driving, distracted driving and drowsy driving. Teens, as with anyone else, must avoid phone use behind the wheel. Since conversations can be a distraction too, teens may want to limit the number of passengers.
Teens are also called upon to be safe passengers. They can send a text for their friend who is driving or warn that friend against driving impaired.
Those who are involved in a collision with an unsafe driver may be able to file a claim against that driver’s insurance company. It all depends on each party’s degree of fault. Victims may want to consult with a car accident attorney. If retained, the attorney might hire third parties like crash investigators to gather proof of negligence. The attorney may negotiate for a settlement with the auto insurance company’s own legal team, and if one cannot be reached, the attorney may prepare for litigation.