Teens, as a whole, are seen as high-risk drivers. It is due to their lack of experience more than their age that makes them such a risk. However, teens can also be very easily distracted when they are driving. This may be due to their age, or it may just be part of the learning process of becoming an experienced driver.
Some of the most common distractions for teens when they are behind the wheel include:
• Music. With the ability to connect MP3 players to a car radio and select from playlists they created, teens often find themselves operating the music player instead of the car.
• Cell Phone. Texting and answering the phone is too distracting for anyone, especially someone who does not have a lot of experience behind the wheel. Besides, it’s illegal.
• Friends. Getting involved with people in the car can take their mind off of the road.
• The Beach. Fort Lauderdale beach is enough to make anyone distracted. The sheer beauty and large amounts of people in the area can be very distracting.
• Tourist Areas. Similar to the beach, these areas around Fort Lauderdale have a lot of people milling about, which can be a distraction.
What Happens If Your Teen Is Involved In An Accident While Distracted?
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the severity of the accident, your teen could lose their license for several years if the Court finds that they were very irresponsible. As the parent, you need to retain an accident lawyer Fort Lauderdale based immediately because you will be held financially responsible for your teen’s actions.
The Court may also impose different types of punishments if they feel that the accident was a result of gross negligence. Your teen may be incarcerated in a teen facility, required to enter rehabilitation, required to attend drivers education classes again, or required to do community service.
Because this type of event could have such a dramatic impact on the future for your teen, it is very important that you seek legal representation to protect their rights.
An attorney may not be able to have all the charges against your teen dropped, but they may be able to reduce the severity of the punishment. In addition, they may also be able to prove that there were outside influences leading to the distraction, effectively proving that your teen was not responsible for the accident.
Since each case is individual and the circumstances must be addressed independently, there is no guarantee for the outcome of the case. However, an experienced car accident attorney will be able to provide you with the legal advice and potential outcome of your case during the initial consultation.
What Parents Need To Do To Protect Their Teens
Parents must take the time to talk to their teens about the importance of driving safely and refraining from distractions. This is often easier said than done, but it is something that you must try. Your teen needs to know how important it is for them to remain a focused driver. You must stress the importance of avoiding distractions such as MP3 players and cell phones. Even limit the amount of people they can transport in the car until they are more experienced. Each step you take will protect them and their future.
The importance of maintaining a clean driving record for your teen will become apparent to him when he has matured and enters adulthood. For now, steer him clear of obstacles.
Debbie Nguyen is a blogger and designer. Traffic court with her son was a traumatic experience she does not wish to repeat. Accident lawyer Fort Lauderdale based Steinger, Iscoe & Green practice protecting the rights of teens and their families throughout the Sunshine State.