Teenage Drivers in Utah

If you happen to venture out during a Utah high school’s lunch hour, you may be horrified by the teenage drivers on the road.  Witnessing their video game like driving skills can make your knuckles whiter than rush hour traffic in LA.

A dangerous mix

According to the Center for Disease Control, “The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any other age group.” (Yes, even the elderly.)  Although many teenage drivers try to be cautious, they are still inexperienced drivers.  Add texting, peer pressure, and other distractions to their inexperience and you have a deadly combination.

Teach your children well

There are numerous informational websites and programs out there to help teach and encourage teens to be safer drivers.  These aids can use anything from fear tactics, statistics, and “what-if” situations to hopefully instill a sense of responsibilities in teens before they get behind the wheel.  One of the best forms of education though, is through a parent or guardian’s example.

Soccer Mom on a Rampage

We’ve all been there.  You’re late for a meeting/game/playdate and increasing your speed seems like a good idea.  Maybe some jerk cuts you off, nearly clipping your car and you feel the urge to tailgate them to show your frustration.  Or you get a text that may be important and you contemplate checking it briefly.  These are a few of the many instances when we can either be good or bad examples to our teenage drivers.

Lasting Effects

Not only can poor teenage drivers cause accidents that cost their own lives, but they could also be responsible for taking the lives of someone else. This is something that no one, especially someone barely preparing for their adult life should have to live with. If your teenage driver has made mistakes behind the wheel, contact a criminal defense attorney to aid them through the legal process and a counselor to help them cope with the aftermath of their actions.