What You Need to Know About Teen Drivers in Michigan

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Christensen Law 
David Christensen  
25925 Telegraph Rd #200  
Southfield, MI 48033 
248-900-9000 
inquiry@davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://plus.google.com/101403597068266196711/posts

Here are five things you need to know about teen drivers before you allow a newbie behind the wheel, and as you’re driving on the highway surrounding by neophyte drivers.

• Teen drivers are not experienced enough.

No matter how much time a teen has spent in driver’s ed or practicing their skills with an adult riding shotgun, it’s a simple fact that teens are not experienced drivers. They may be quicker than you, but when it comes to driving a teen’s reflexes are stunted by their ability to make the best decision in the moment. Plus, many teens believe that they are infallible. But they are more likely to crash than older drivers because they are simply not experienced enough on the roads.

• Teen drivers are distracted.
Distracted driving is an epidemic, and it has hit the teen demographic quite hard. Plenty of teens live by and, sadly, some die by their smartphones. An AT&T study found that smartphone owners ages 16 to 65 are engaging in some mighty frightening behaviors behind the wheel:

• 70 percent use their smartphone
• percent send text messages
• percent use email
• percent browse the internet
• percent check Facebook
• percent take selfies (and post them)
• percent check Twitter and Instagram
• percent take videos
• percent video chat

• Teens drink and drive.

The combination of teen driving and drunk driving is indeed a deadly one, but both epidemics are a reality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 35 percent of male drivers between 15 and 20 years old who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding and drinking. Teens also make the poor choice to ride with other teen drivers who have been drinking.

• Teen drivers are at greater risk in the summertime.

The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as “The 100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. Between prom, graduation parties, and summer revelry, the dangers of being on the road are at an all-time high.

• They’re watching you.

Teens may be too cool for their parents, and they may act like they’re not listening to you, but they’re actually watching your every move behind the wheel, just like they have been since they were little children. Do you speed? Do you cut people off? Do you drive with one hand on the wheel? Do you text and drive? Do you neglect to wear your seatbelt? If you have a bad driving habit, don’t be surprised to find your teen doing the same thing as you. Teens with parents who they feel are good driving role models are less likely to be in an auto accident.

About David Christensen
LISTENING. PROTECTING. WINNING
At Christensen Law, we are leaders in helping victims of automobile and truck accidents. We understand the overwhelming challenges that come with these life-changing events, and we want to help. You are not alone – we will become your voice.

Christensen Law 
David Christensen  
25925 Telegraph Rd #200  
Southfield, MI 48033 
248-900-9000 
inquiry@davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://plus.google.com/101403597068266196711/posts