Another school year is drawing to an end and people all over the country will be celebrating reaching the milestone of graduation. It is common to struggle to find enough time to finish to-do lists but being safe on the road should always be first priority. Unfortunately, many drivers do not always follow the posted speed limits, especially when they are in a hurry. Speeding is a concern, more commonly for teenagers. This is why it is important to educate teens about the risks involved with speeding.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2017, speeding accounted for 26% of fatalities involving motor vehicles.
Drivers with the least experience, generally between the ages 16 and 20, are more prone to speed. The good news is improving your teenagers driving skills and allowing them time to gain more experience will help. Make sure to teach your teen how to manage their speed by planning ahead. When reaching an intersection, guide them through the steps to slow down rather than coming to an immediate stop. Also teach them that speed limits are designed to protect drivers.
Increasing driving speed by 10 mph translates to a 78% increase in collision energy.
To reduce the risk of dangerous driving among teens specifically, get involved early and be a role model. If your teenager sees you speeding, they will be more likely to speed themselves. Teenagers also need a safe car with good tires, especially in the extreme temperatures of Alaska. Finally, technology has introduced ways for parents to monitor teen driving habits, including devices and phone apps. These can become good tools in preventing speeding among teenagers.
For further information or to schedule a free initial consultation call 866.452.3741 or visit www.merdes.com. The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are; and while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
