Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers; What Parents Can Do to Prevent Oklahoma Car Accidents
Along with the things that we all love about summer – including warm weather and time off school – comes the “100 Deadliest Days for Teens,” the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day that marks the deadliest period for teen drivers. According to national statistics, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and more teens are killed on the road during the summer months than any other time of year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, contact our skilled car accident attorneys at AMA Law today. Our law firm is located in Oklahoma City, and our lawyers have years of experience helping victims of car accident injuries in OK pursue the financial compensation they deserve.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING OK CAR ACCIDENTS
While parents in Oklahoma may be familiar with the worry that accompanies sending a teen driver out on the road, parents can do more than just stand by and worry this summer. When it comes to safe driving practices, parents have more influence over their teens’ behavior than they might expect, experts say. “Parents play a key role in preventing teen crashes,” says Erin Sauber-Schatz, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the CDC. “When asked whose opinions they listen to, teens most often said their parents.” Keeping this in mind, parents can follow this practical advice for having a conversation with their teens about safe driving.
Be clear and be involved. Statistics show that teens who think their parents will be upset with them if they engage in dangerous driving are less likely to take risks behind the wheel. For this reason, it is extremely important for parents to communicate clearly with their teens about their expectations for safe driving.
Make sure they get lots of practice behind the wheel. Getting plenty of supervised driving practice is essential for keeping teens safe when behind the wheel. “You should be driving with your teen as much as possible,” says Flaura Winston, M.D., director of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “The more hours the better, and in a variety of conditions.”
Write up a parent-teen driver agreement. This type of “contract” can help parents start a conversation about safe driving practices. A parent-teen driving agreement lists driving rules – including always wearing a seat belt, never texting and driving, etc. – and spells out the consequences for violating these rules.
CONTACT OUR OK CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS FOR HELP
Car accidents in Oklahoma lead to devastating injury and tragic loss of life every year. By starting a conversation with their teens and promoting safe driving practices behind the wheel, parents in Oklahoma can help reduce the incidence of automobile accidents in Oklahoma and across the country. If you have suffered from injuries caused by an OK car accident, or if you lost a loved one in such an accident, contact our car accident attorneys at AMA Law today. Too often, car accident victims are left on their own to struggle with the overwhelming burden of serious injuries, costly medical bills, and lost wages due to missed days at work. With the help of our qualified car accident lawyers at AMA Law however, victims of serious car accident injuries in Oklahoma City can seek fair and timely reimbursement for their injuries and protect themselves from further harm.