Are you surprised to learn that the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that teen drivers are four times as likely to get into a car accident than older drivers? This can be caused by a simple lack of experience but it is also often caused by bad behavior.
Today we are providing information on five behaviors that, if avoided, can help prevent many car accidents. While this list is geared to teenagers, many adults can benefit from a refresher too. Remember that if you are involved in an accident, there is help out there for you. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
- Distracted Driving
- High-Risk Behaviors
- Speeding
- Putting Too Many People in a Car
- Failing to Properly Stop
This is a tip that is given often but for good reason – it is considered one of the leading causes of the increase in car accidents. Distracted driving includes using electronics like cell phones, but it also includes being distracted by pets in the car, by eating while driving, or by others in the vehicle. The fact is that the driver should have one priority: Driving safely. Everything else can wait until they reach their destination.
There are many high-risk behaviors that can lead to accidents. For example, not yielding, speeding through a yellow light, and abrupt lane changes are all high-risk behaviors and they can all lead to accidents with serious injuries.
This is another high-risk behavior but it deserves its own entry because it is the top cause of fatal car accidents. The faster a vehicle is driving, the longer it will take to stop it. If an accident does occur, the faster a vehicle is moving, the more serious the impact will be. Follow the speed limit – it is there for a reason: To keep you safe.
It is common for teens to pack in as many passengers as possible. This is dangerous according to several studies, including those by the National Institute for Highway Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and John Hopkins University. Their studies show that with each additional passenger in a car, a teen’s chances of being in an accident go up dramatically.
The average car needs about 120 to 140 feet to fully stop. Vehicles that are speeding need more time. SUVs need about 5 – 10 extra feet. When a driver does not start sopping soon enough, they may have to slam on their brakes, which could cause injury, or they may not be able to stop in time.
If you have been involved in a vehicle accident and need the advice of an experienced legal professional, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker now at 800-333-0000 we are standing by to help.
