Young drivers are particularly prone to accidents. Operating a vehicle safely requires firsthand experience, and drivers who have not encountered dangerous scenarios are less capable of identifying and responding to hazards.
Night Drive
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of death for teenagers in the United States. Fortunately, there are steps that inexperienced drivers can take to minimize their risk of crashing. These include:
- Avoiding distractions;
- Obeying the speed limit;
- Driving without passengers;
- Using their headlights;
- And not driving aggressively.
Unfortunately, even the safest motorists get in crashes. If you were injured in a collision that another driver caused, contact a Las Vegas auto accident attorney from Ed Bernstein & Associates. We can talk to witnesses, structure your claim and help you pursue the highest possible payout. Call 702-240-0000 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit The US Attorneys Nevada Accident Lawyers website to learn more about injury lawsuits in Nevada. Here are five safety tips for young and inexperienced drivers:
Avoid Distractions
Distractions cause a multitude of accidents around the world. Cell phones, GPS devices, radios, passengers and other distractions can draw the driver’s attention long enough to cause a severe collision. According to Distraction.gov, at any given moment across the United States, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or electronic devices behind the wheel. Cell phones distract drivers visually, physically and cognitively – making them particularly dangerous. If you avoid using your cell phone behind the wheel, then you significantly reduce the likelihood of crashing.
Obey the Speed Limit
New drivers are less capable of identifying and anticipating dangerous situations. For this reason, they need as much reaction time as possible to avoid crashes. Speeding, however, reduces the amount of time that a driver has to respond to accident scenarios. If a crash happens, speeding can worsen the property damage and injuries. Drivers of all ages should obey posted speed limits.
Drive Without Passengers
Although the guidance of one experienced passenger may be beneficial, traveling with multiple passengers is dangerous for new drivers. Passengers who argue, talk loudly, play games on smartphones and engage in other distracting behavior can contribute to accidents. Do not transport passengers until you are confident in your driving abilities.
Use Your Headlights
Make sure you switch on your headlights whenever there is low visibility. This includes driving at night and in poor weather. Your headlights will help other drivers see your vehicle, and they will help you notice hazards in the road.
Do Not Drive Aggressively
Young people may be tempted to drive aggressively, but this is a common cause of accidents. It is critical that new drivers operate their vehicles defensively. Try to anticipate other drivers’ movements, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid traveling in other vehicles’ blind spots. If you were injured in a car crash in Nevada, contact a Las Vegas accident attorney from Ed Bernstein & Associates. Schedule a consultation today by calling 702-240-0000.