Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C.

Oct 21, 2022

Many people are well aware of the risks they face from young drivers. The statistics make it quite clear that teens cause a disproportionate number of fatal accidents, for example. Any other driver on the road has to know that they could be caught up in a serious wreck, even if they were driving perfectly.

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A lot of these accidents happen because these young drivers, who don’t have much experience, simply make mistakes. Older drivers also make mistakes, of course, but it tends to happen less frequently thanks to their experience behind the wheel. Teens are still learning, and errors are part of that. Below are a few examples to keep in mind.

Driving out of turn at a four-way stop

A four-way stop requires every driver to know exactly when their turn is to proceed. If a driver goes out of turn, it can cause a car accident at the intersection.

Breaking the speed limit

It’s also very common for young drivers to speed or even engage in reckless driving. In some cases, this is simply because they don’t fully understand the risks of speeding or because they enjoy the thrill.

Driving under the influence

Furthermore, looking at DUI stats shows that younger drivers tend to get these more often. These are not necessarily teenagers, but could be college students or young professionals in their early 20s.

Facing distractions

All drivers face some distractions, such as deciding to use the phone to send a text message in the car. But younger drivers have an especially high risk of this, and almost all of them own cellphones.

Failing to prepare the vehicle

Finally, some drivers are just in a hurry and they fail to get the car in proper condition to drive safely before they leave. For instance, they may not adjust the seat properly if an adult was driving before them. They may fail to clean off the windshield or adjust the mirrors. It’s even wise for drivers to set their GPS or choose their music before they begin driving, but many people decide to do this as they drive.

Seeking financial compensation

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a teenage driver, it’s important for you to know how you can seek financial compensation for your medical bills and other costs.