This car accident avoidance & safety video is brought to you by the Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Ladah Law Firm, PLLC. If you’ve been in a car accident, visit: https://www.ladahlaw.com/las-vegas-car-accident-lawyer or call us at: (702) 252-0055
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that approximately 4.5 million people were injured and 36,750 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2018 alone. Every driver needs to be prepared for the possibility that they will be involved in a crash—a car accident can happen to anyone and in virtually any situation.
Teenage Drivers are More Likely to Be Involved in Accidents
Of course, all drivers are not equally likely to be involved in a crash. The data is clear: young and inexperienced drivers get into more accidents. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reviewed hundreds of millions of miles worth of vehicle data, concluding that drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 were far more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers over the age of 25. Notably, drivers who are 16 and 17 get into accidents at nearly twice the rate of drivers who are 18 and 19.
Inexperience and Distractions are Major Risks for Young Drivers
Researchers believe that teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents for two important reasons: inexperience and distraction. The younger and less experienced the driver, the more likely they are to get into an accident. Proper training and careful operation is critically important for teenagers who are learning to drive.
Beyond inexperience, distraction is a growing problem for teenage motorists. Distracted driving will dramatically increase the risk of a crash. Unfortunately, study after study has found that teenagers are simply more likely to fall victim to distractions. One research paper found that 90 percent of teenagers who rear-ended another vehicle were distracted immediately prior to the collision. This is one of the primary reasons why most U.S. states have a graduated licensing program in place—newly licensed teenage drivers are generally restricted from driving with other young people for a period of time.
Proper Preparation is Paramount to Driver Safety
All teenage drivers must understand that safe driving begins before the engine is turned on. Drivers should take the time to get to know their car. Among other things, this means reading the vehicle manual, learning the location of all safety features, and understanding how the mirrors and blindspots work. You should also be ready to answer some important vehicle safety questions, such as:
– When is the last time your vehicle was inspected?
– Is your insurance and registration up to date?
– Do you know how to check the tire pressure?
– Can you change a tire or can you call someone who knows how to do so?
– Do you have a spare tire, extra windshield wipers, and backup headlight bulbs?
– Do you know how to work your vehicle’s hazard lights?
– Have you put together an emergency roadside kit?
– Do you know who to call if you get stranded?
– Are you ready to take action after an accident?
These are all questions that teenage drivers should be able to answer before they ever get access to the keys. Drivers who take are properly prepared are both less likely to be involved in crashes and far more capable of responding effectively should they face an emergency situation.
Young Drivers Need to Know What to Do After a Crash
No matter how safe you are, there is always the risk that you will be involved in a crash. Knowing the proper steps to take after an accident is one of the keys to highway safety. Teenage drivers should be ready to take proactive measures to protect their safety, well-being, and rights. Here are five important steps to take after a crash:
1. Remove yourself from any immediate danger. Whether you are facing oncoming traffic or the risk of a vehicle fire, you need to get yourself to safety.
2. Take any necessary emergency measures. If you or someone else has suffered a serious injury, call 911 right away.
3. Call the police. All car accidents that result in injuries or significant property damage must be reported to state or local law enforcement.
4. Exchange information with the other parties. As a starting point, you should get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, driver’s license number, and a description of their vehicle.
5. Get professional help. If you were injured in a crash, call an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. Do not speak to an insurance company until you have consulted with an attorney.
Brought to you by the Ladah Law Firm. If you or your loved one was injured in a crash in Southern Nevada, our Las Vegas auto accident lawyers are here to protect your rights. For free, fully confidential legal guidance, please call us at (702) 252-0055.
Ladah Law Firm, PLLC
517 S. 3rd St
(702) 252-0055
Las Vegas, NV 89101
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