It is unquestionable that driving is one of the most dangerous activities for a young person. More teens die in car accidents than from any other cause. According to Drive Steady, the risk of an accident is 10 times more likely within the first year a teen has his or her license than that of a more experienced motorist.
Common causes of teen driving accidents include:
Driver inexperience
Distracted driving (e.g., texting or otherwise using a cellphone while driving, conversations with other occupants in the vehicle, grooming, eating/drinking, etc.)
Not using seat belts
Nighttime and weekend driving
Although teen drivers are at high risk of accidents throughout the year, winter can be an especially dangerous time for inexperienced drivers. Driving in snow is difficult and requires a unique set of skills that new drivers might not have. This means that a young teen’s first few winters behind the wheel could be a very high-risk time with a significant chance that a crash may occur.
Preventing Teen Collisions During Winter
While there is never a way to entirely prevent a car crash, parents can take some steps to help their children learn how to drive more safely during the winter. Here are some useful tips for parents who are interested in preparing their sons or daughters for winter:
Find a professional driving school to teach teens how to drive in snow. Many driver’s education programs and schools have special lessons intended to teach young people safe driving techniques for bad weather.
Keep kids off the roads during inclement weather. Although it is not always practical to do so, it is a good idea to restrict teens from driving on snow or ice-covered roads whenever possible. If an alternative means of transportation is available, it is smart to tell your teen that he or she cannot drive until the roads have been cleared.
Practice safe winter driving with kids. Parents who want to get their kids ready to tackle the winter streets can take them to a parking lot to practice driving in the snow. Let them practice how to handle the car if it skids or slides, and teach them how to react in order to get back on track.
Get the car ready for the weather. Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for cold temperatures by keeping washer fluid full, checking your anti-freeze, and changing the winter wiper blades. You will also want to stock the car up with a shovel, an emergency kit, and an ice-scraper.
At Metzger Wickersham, we urge all parents to get their children ready to make it through the winter safely and to reduce the chance of a teen driving accident this season. If you or your child is ever involved in a car accident caused by negligence, let our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys help you maximize your entitled compensation.
Injured in a car accident? Call (888) 286-2850 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation. Serving clients throughout Pennsylvania since 1888!