It is fairly common knowledge that teen drivers are among the least experienced and deadliest to get behind the wheel in Connecticut and throughout the country. These drivers are more likely to participate in risky behaviors that may lead to Connecticut auto accidents.
It was, unfortunately, no surprise when an 18-year-old driver committed multiple offenses behind the wheel leading to a crash in Vernon. While behind the wheel, the teen was engaged in behaviors that included driving under the influence of alcohol, driving the wrong way and driving without a license. Before the accident, these were all offenses that could’ve landed the teen behind bars. After the accident, the teen ended up behind bars, but luckily there were only minor injuries to all those involved in the accident.
This accident, and many others like it throughout the state of Connecticut are reminders of just how important it is to underscore the dangers of driving for our teens behind the wheel. As adults we must both model good behaviors for our youth behind the wheel as well as also remind them of these good behaviors including, but not limited to;
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Never get behind the wheel while you are intoxicated. While the legal alcohol and cannabis age is 21 years old, many teens break this law and should be reminded that doing so and getting behind the wheel could be a deadly combination.
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Avoid using your cellphone at all times regardless of the amount of time you intend to use it while behind the wheel. Checking a quick text message or changing the song can be the split second that you take your eyes off the road and cause a serious accident.
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Do not become distracted by anything, your main focus should always be on the road. If you do become distracted by others in your vehicle, eating food, or a variety of other distractions you may find yourself in a very difficult situation that could involve injury or worse.
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Slow down. Teens are often in a hurry to get where they need to go, but excessive speed is one of the deadliest things they can do behind the wheel. Remind your teen that the speed limit is there for a reason and following it will keep them safe if they do get into an accident.
With proper instruction and good behaviors being modeled by their parents, teens can certainly operate a vehicle without getting into a Connecticut auto accident. However, if they are not given the rules of the road and strictly have them enforced it could lead to issues with injury or trouble with the law.
Spending time with your teen teaching them how to drive properly can be the difference between them safely making it through their teen years or getting injured before their lives even fully begin. If your teen or you are injured in an accident our team of experienced attorneys may be able to help. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will review your case and work to protect your long-term interests.
