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Get ready for teen drivers on the road

By John Singleton on August 11, 2015

Back-to-school time is almost underway, and that means many high schoolers will be starting driver’s education and venturing onto local roads.

Getting a first driver’s license is big milestone. But the safest drivers on the road have years of experience, which teenagers don’t have yet. Without experience, young drivers are more likely to misjudge situations, forget traffic laws, and miscalculate size and speed of cars. As a result, young drivers make the most mistakes and unintentionally endanger the most lives on the road.

Sadly, driving teens (ages 16-19) are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than any other age group. Despite being just 14 percent of the population, teen drivers are involved in 30 percent of all vehicle injuries. And teens are even more likely to cause a crash if they’re driving with other teens, or if it’s their first month to have their license.

Thankfully, you can take steps to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken care if you’re ever in a wreck. Remember the basics: Always wear your seat belt. Always drive the speed limit. Be alert, and drive defensively. Don’t drink and drive. No texting.

And most important: Make sure you have the highest uninsured motorist coverage you can afford. If you have an accident with an uninsured driver (as many teens are), you will need a comprehensive uninsured motorist plan — not the bare minimum — to recover fully.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck, call GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys at (804) 413-6777. There is no cost or obligation to meet with us, and we don’t get paid unless we recover money for you.