Oak Lawn Teen Driving Accident Risks

The risk of car wrecks among teenagers is higher than any other age group. Per mile drove, drivers ages 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers aged 20 and older. This is why it is essential that parents teach their teenage driver about the importance of driving safe. If you want to find out more information about Oak Lawn teen driving accident risks, contact a seasoned teen driving accident lawyer today.

Driver’s Education Courses for Teens

In Illinois, teens can drive without restrictions at age 18. Prior to age 18, Oak Lawn teens have a graduated driver’s license. However, age alone does not make a quality driver. Being a good driver takes experience and also obeying the rules of the road.

Drivers do not only need to follow traffic regulations but other safe driving habits, such as avoiding distractions and having courtesy towards fellow drivers. Teens under the age of 18 must take a driver’s education course in order to receive a permit. The driver’s education course helps make teens aware of the requirements that all must follow when driving.

Common Factors Behind Teen Driving Accidents

There are many common causes of teens causing car wrecks in Oak Lawn. Driver inexperience is one of the major  Oak Lawn teen driving accident risks. Also, many teens suffer from a sense of invincibility. They do not take into consideration the serious consequences which can result from their actions as a driver on the roadway. Finally, teens are often easily distracted by their cell phone, radio, or other passengers. Distracted teen driving is a major cause of accidents in Oak Lawn.

What Restrictions Are There for Teen Drivers?

By implementing a graduated driver’s license program, the state of Illinois has tried to address some of the major causes of teen driver accidents. First, teens are limited to the number of passengers in their car. For the first two years of having a license, teens can have no more than one other non-family member under the age of 20 in the car while they drive.

Also, teens are limited in the hours they can drive. They cannot drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. through 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. These two restrictions help reduce the risks of teen driving accidents in Oak Lawn.

Why Are Teens More Likely to be Involved in a Crash?

Teens are statistically at greater risk of getting into an accident than any other age group of drivers. This fact is important to insurance companies who charge higher premiums to teen drivers and their parents. Some common reasons teenagers are in accidents more frequently include their lack of experience, their propensity to be distracted, and their inability to grasp the consequences of their actions.

Parent’s Responsibility to their Oak Lawn Teen Driver

If a parent has an Oak Lawn teenager who is getting ready for their driver’s permit, it is important to discuss with them the grave consequences that can occur as the result of their reckless conduct. Parents should put strict limits on a teenager’s use of the car. Some cars now have a feature which limits certain functions of the car for teenagers, such as the radio as well as the speed of the vehicle. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the parent to instill a sense of safety in their teens. If a parent has any questions about the Oak Lawn teen driving accident risks, they should speak with a dedicated attorney.