Teenage Reckless Driving
Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,333 young people between 16 and 19 years of age were killed in car accidents during 2015. However, teenagers aren’t the only victims of their own negligence. When a teenager causes a collision, other motorists are frequently injured or killed, as well.
Inexperience and Immaturity
Many teenage drivers are inexperienced and immature, and that makes them dangerous. Teenagers attempting to impress their friends by pushing the limits of their driving skills frequently engage in reckless driving. They are likely to underestimate dangerous road conditions, and tailgating and speeding are rampant among teenage drivers. Distracted driving, especially cell phone use, is a huge problem. Teens may also drive under the influence of illegally-obtained alcohol or drugs.
Good Driving Practices
Driving school can teach teenagers the fundamentals of driving safely, but it isn’t sufficient. Parents need to instill safe driving practices by complying with the Texas Graduated Driver License program. This program is intended to allow newly licensed drivers to improve their driving skills over time in safer environments. Drivers under 18 years of age must hold a valid learner license for at least six months in order to qualify for a provisional driver license. This provisional license prohibits teenagers from driving with more than one passenger under 21 years of age in the vehicle, unless that passenger is a family member. It also limits driving privileges between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m. to work and school.
You Need an Attorney
While parents should teach their children good driving practices, teenagers bear legal responsibility for exercising reasonable judgment behind the wheel. They often fail to realize the devastating injuries or loss of life that reckless driving can cause.
If you’ve been injured due to the irresponsible actions of a teenage driver, you deserve compensation. Contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.