Safe Driving Tips For St. Petersburg Households With Teen Drivers
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
The roads throughout Pinellas County can be dangerous for even the most seasoned drivers. Don't merely take our word for it, though. Instead, just take a peek at these crash stats. According to the FLHSMV, there were 401,867 total crashes across The Sunshine State in 2019. That equals out to 1,101 events per day.As for fatal crashes that year, there were 2,951 of them, responsible for 3,185 deaths. Of course, people don't always get killed in auto accidents. Sometimes, injuries enter the picture. In 2019, wrecks caused 18,063 incapacitating injuries and 236,753 other injuries. Fender benders occurred that only created property damage too.
Both seasoned and new drivers can make mistakes and get into crashes in St. Pete. However, today's focus is on one group in particular, teen drivers. So, if you have one or more of these motorists in your household, talk to them about issues and provide them with tips to stay safe while behind the wheel. The following are some suggestions that may help you with the venture.
Discuss Drugs And Alcohol
The legal BAC for drivers 21 years of age and older is .08. However, it is illegal for those under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. Hence, the BAC for teen motorists should always be .00. Make it a point to sit down and have a heart to heart with your teen driver about the dangers of drinking and driving.
Additionally, it can be a good idea to discuss the consequences of doing so. For instance, those under 21 caught driving with a BAC of .02 in Florida will immediately have their licenses suspended for six months. The hope is this talk will help your teen make good decisions and not get into an accident after deciding to experiment and drive.
Stress The Importance Of Seat Belts
Seat belts secure people in their seats and prevent them from getting ejected when accidents occur. The CDC states seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in crashes. Therefore, you should stress the importance of wearing seat belts to the teen drivers in your household. Ensure they know they need to be wearing them, and so do others they allow to ride in their cars.
Merely telling the youngsters isn't enough, though. You will also need to lead by example. Buckle up each time you get into your vehicle. Also, when others ride with you, such as a teen driver, always ask and make sure everyone is buckled up. This will help show them what is expected of them.
Emphasize The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
Drivers, regardless of their age, can get distracted by all sorts of things. For instance, teens and adults alike often text while behind the wheel. Then, there are others who play with the radio dials, sing, dance, and do pretty much anything but pay attention to their driving. How about eating and drinking when driving? Have you ever attempted that?
Things usually happen without a hitch, but there's always that one time where disaster can strike. Perhaps a person spills hot coffee on their lap. Then, without thinking, they jerk the wheel, side-swiping another car. Make sure your teen knows that distractions, regardless of what shape or form they're in, are not acceptable. With any luck, if your teen stays alert and aware of their surroundings, they'll be able to avoid accidents.
Some Final Thoughts
Have you been injured in an auto accident because of someone's negligence in St. Petersburg? If the answer is yes, you might have the grounds to seek compensation for your damages.