Latest Blogs

Most teenagers look forward to learning how to drive and obtaining a driver's license. Even through all the excitement, it is crucial for teens to understand the importance of being safe on the roadway. October 19 through 25 was National Teen Driver Safety Week, which highlighted the need to make our young people responsible and safe drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes the leading cause of death for young people ages 14 through 18 is automobile crashes. Still, the Administration says only 25 percent of parents speak to their children about safe driving. Randall Spivey and his team of Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys know the devastation the loss of a young life can cause parents and loved ones. That is why parents are encouraged to speak with their children and set some ground rules upfront before they get on the road for the first time.

"5 to Drive"

In an effort to assist parents with speaking to their teenage drivers about the importance of being safe on the road, the NHTSA began the '5 to Drive' campaign. As part of the campaign, there are five rules that parents should share with their teens prior to them driving:

1. No cell phones
2. No extra passengers
3. No speeding
4. No alcohol
5. Always buckle up

These rules were designed to help teens make better driving decisions and avoid becoming a statistic.

No Phones While Driving

Even the most experienced drivers are encouraged not to talk and/or text while driving, but this is an especially important rule for teen drivers. Most Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys will tell you that using a phone while operating a motor vehicle reduces a driver's reaction time, which can lead to major accidents. Texting is even more of a threat for teens because they have to take their eyes off the road and remove at least one hand from the steering wheel. Accordingly, parents are urged to speak to their kids about the dangers of distracted driving.

No Extra Passengers

Young drivers tend to want all of their friends to tag along for the ride, especially if they are fortunate enough to be given their own motor vehicle. However, the NHTSA reviewed a study that showed teen drivers were 2 ½ times more likely to participate in risky behaviors when driving a vehicle with just one passenger, as opposed to driving alone. Statistics also show that the risk of a teen being involved in a fatal collision increases with the number of other teens in the vehicle. Again, as a parent, the rules must be set: No more than one passenger in the vehicle at any time.

Do Not Speed

Most teenagers are aware of the dangers of speeding and the outcome that can occur if they fail to abide by state laws. Nevertheless, parents should reiterate to their children the need to always remain in control of their vehicle and obey posted speed limits.

Drinking and Driving is Strictly Prohibited

Besides the fact that it is illegal for teens to drink whether behind the wheel or at a restaurant with friends, teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in accidents involving alcohol. Additionally, teens must understand if they survive the collision, they will face serious legal consequences, such as loss of their license, expensive court costs and fines, higher life insurance and maybe even time in jail.

Buckle Up

One of the first things anyone entering a vehicle should do is buckle up for safety. Regardless of whether a teen is running a quick errand to the corner store or traveling a major highway to reach his or her destination, wearing a seatbelt is required and is the best way to protect drivers and passengers if a collision occurs.

If you or your teen has questions about safe driving, or if your teen has been injured in an accident, contact the Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible.