Teenagers are often excited to finally have their driver’s licenses. They can’t wait to hit the open road and explore. But, there are risks that come with being a teenage driver.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
One of the main reasons you’re highly likely to see a teenage driver driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is because they’re still experimenting with substances. They want to see what it’s like to drive while under the influence and how it affects their driving.
While this may seem like harmless fun, it can quickly turn into a deadly situation. Driving under the influence impairs your ability to drive safely. It increases your chances of getting into an accident, and if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident while under the influence, the consequences can be much more severe.
Distracted driving
With all of the technology that’s available today, it’s easier than ever to get distracted while driving. Whether it’s sending a text message, checking social media or even just talking on the phone, any type of distraction can increase your chances of getting into an accident.
Speeding
Teenagers tend to engage in risky behavior, and one of those risks is speeding. They may not think about the consequences of their actions or they may feel like they’re invincible. But, speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents and can result in serious injuries or even death.
Driving at night
Many teenage drivers don’t have a lot of experience driving at night. This can be especially dangerous because it’s more difficult to see other cars, pedestrians and potential hazards on the road. If you’re a teenage driver, make sure you get plenty of practice driving at night before you head out on your own.
The risks that teenage drivers face are real and should be taken seriously. If you have a teenager who is learning to drive, make sure you talk to them about the dangers of driving under the influence, distracted driving, speeding and driving at night. Help them understand the importance of being a safe driver, and make sure they know the risks that come along with being a teenage driver.