Top Tips for New Drivers

The Department of Motor Vehicles Research and Development Branch in Sacramento examined data on more than 131,000 fatal crashes involving teen drivers from across the country between 1986 and 2007. They found that the number of deadly teen crashes was 26% lower among 16- and 17-year-olds in states that had strict rules for new drivers, similar to those that are presently enforced in California.

But alarmingly, the number of fatal car accidents among the older teens of 18 and 19 were 12% higher in the stricter states than in those with more relaxed teen driving rules.

Does this mean that teens still aren't prepared to drive at night and have additional passengers in their cars?

There are a number of reasons why California teen fatal car accidents happen, which is why the lawyers at Steinberg Spencer have compiled a list of ways that families can try and avoid the devastation that a serious or fatal car accident can cause.

First, never text and drive. While California has strict laws regarding cell phone use while behind the wheel, it can be very tempting to text your friends while driving. Studies have found that texting and driving causes worse inattention than drinking and driving. Serious accidents can happen when you take your eyes off the road.

Don't drive drowsy; this is another way to keep your attention between the yellow lines. Teens' lives are busy. Between school, homework, sports, extra-curricular activities, and trying to stay connected with friends, it's no wonder that teenagers even sleep at all. But teen bodies are still growing, and they need at least 8 hours of shut-eye every night. Driving drowsy can slow reaction time, which is imperative behind the wheel. If you feel that you are falling asleep behind the wheel, pull over and call for someone to pick you up.

Avoid driving at night. Driving at night makes it hard to see hazards in the road, pedestrians, or other drivers. Nighttime is also when the number of possibly-intoxicated drivers is higher. Practicing your nighttime driving skills is best done with a parent or guardian next to you, to act as an extra set of eyes.

Every household with a teen driver should have a copy of our Southern California teen car accident lawyers' guide, Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe It is full of tips on how to prevent teen accidents and is also a good way to stimulate conversations within the family about expectations on behavior, curfew, and other car-related issues. In order to keep your teenager safe on the road, call 800.350.8888 for your free guide and parent/teen contract that is included at no charge.