How Can I Keep My Teen Driver Safe in San Jacinto?

Getting a driver’s license is a significant right of passage for teenagers. However, for the parents of newly licensed teen drivers, few things are more nerve-wracking than handing over the car keys and watching their child drive away. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a car accident is a leading cause of death among teens between the ages of 15 and 18.

Although these statistics are concerning, there are proactive steps parents can take to make sure that their teen driver understands the immense responsibility that comes with getting a driver’s license, that they prioritize safety, and avoid unsafe and irresponsible behavior while driving, including distracted and impaired driving. If your teen driver is involved in a car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact a car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.

Why Are Teen Drivers More Likely to Be Involved in a Car Accident?

In California, teens must complete a 30-hour driver’s education course, get a provisional permit by passing a written test, complete six hours of behind-the-wheel training, log 50 hours of supervised practice, and pass the driving test before they can get their driver’s license. However, even with this preparation and practice, there are a number of factors that contribute to the increased risk of car accidents among teens, including the following:

• Inexperience behind the wheel. It takes years to be able to recognize potential hazards and take the necessary steps to avoid them.
• Distracted driving. There are a number of factors that can cause teens to be distracted while driving, including talking or texting on the phone, checking social media, and interacting with other passengers in the vehicle.
• Speeding. Teen drivers are more likely to exceed the speed limit. Unfortunately, speeding-related accidents often cause very serious personal injury as a result of the extreme force of impact.
• Impaired driving. Teenagers are also known for making impulsive and irresponsible decisions, including getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

What Is California’s Graduated Driver License Law?

Passed in 1997, the goal of the California Graduated Driver License law is to reduce the number of teen-related car accidents. There are three stages, including the following:

• Stage I: Learner’s Permit
  – Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old
  – Must be accompanied by another driver who is 25 or older
  – Must complete a driver education course
  – Must complete 50 hours of driving practice, including 10 at night
  – Must have held a permit for at least six months
  – No alcohol permitted in the vehicle
• Stage II: Provisional License
  – Must be between 16 and 18 years of age
  – May drive without an adult present
  – No passengers under the age of 20 for the first 12 months, unless a driver who is 25 or older is in the vehicle
  – May not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. for the first 12 months
  – No alcohol permitted in the vehicle
• Stage III: Full License
  – Must be 18 years of age
  – Must complete Stage I and II and have no outstanding DMV restrictions, suspensions, or probation on a driving record
  – No alcohol permitted in the vehicle

What Are Effective Safety Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers in San Jacinto?

As a parent of a teen driver, you may have mixed feelings about your teen getting a driver’s license. Although you may no longer have to provide a taxi service, there is a constant concern for their safety every time they leave the house with the keys. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and make sure that your teen understands the immense responsibility that comes with having a driver’s license. The following are examples of important safety tips you should discuss with your child:

Avoid distractions. Talking and texting on the phone is a common problem among teen drivers. Make sure that your teen understands the dangers of distracted driving, and make it a rule to activate the “do not disturb” feature when they are driving. A moment of distraction, combined with inexperience, can have devastating consequences if there are other motorists in the vicinity.

• Obey the rules of the road at all times. This means following the posted speed limit, using the signal appropriately, yielding to the right-of-way, and avoiding tailgating and other aggressive driving behaviors.
• Never drink and drive. In addition to the fact that it is illegal to drink before the age of 21, it is extremely dangerous. In 2023, approximately 24 percent of teen drivers who were involved in fatal car accidents were under the influence of alcohol.
• Avoid drowsy driving. Teens are notorious for not getting enough sleep. Unfortunately, drowsiness can cause many of the same impairments as drunk driving, including slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and poor judgment, all of which can increase the risk of a car accident.
• Limit your teen’s driving to daytime hours until they have more experience and are more comfortable behind the wheel.
• Enroll your teen in a defensive driving course. This can help your teen learn strategies to be a safe driver and avoid dangerous situations. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course.
• Set an example. When driving with your teen driver, always model the behavior you expect from your teen driver. If you break the rules, your teen is more likely to adopt that behavior.
• Always wear a seat belt. While a seat belt cannot prevent an accident, it can reduce the severity of injuries and prevent fatalities. All occupants, including the driver, the front seat passenger, and back seat passengers, must buckle up at all times.

San Jacinto Car Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Represent Victims of Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers

If your teen driver is involved in a car accident, contact our San Jacinto car accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel. We understand how traumatic this can be, particularly if there are injuries involved. Our highly skilled legal team will discuss the details of the accident, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and help you navigate the claims process. Call 909-889-1131 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Ontario and Victorville, California, and serve clients in the surrounding areas.