Three 15-year-olds were killed in October 2020 in a car crash that occurred on WA-291 close to mile marker 16. Washington State Patrol states that the teens were in a Cadillac Eldorado headed eastbound on WA-291 when the vehicle left the road, rolled, and struck a tree on the vehicle's passenger side. While the driver and a passenger were wearing seatbelts, another passenger was not. All three teenagers were transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for medical care. The severity of the teenager's condition is not known. Washington State Patrol states that the accident was caused by inattention and that alcohol/drugs were involved. 

Having a teenage child who is driving in Spokane and the surrounding area can be a scary thing. It is normal for parents to worry about their children driving. After all, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car crashes are the most common causes of teenage deaths. To avoid ending up part of this unfortunate group, it is important that your child knows how to practice safe driving and understands why it is important to practice safe driving techniques. The following reviews some helpful strategies that you can follow to keep your teenage driver safe.

Clarify the Risks Associated with Driving

Many teenagers fail to appreciate the risks associated with driving a motor vehicle. One of the reasons teens do not understand these risks is that they have little experience in operating vehicles. Parents or guardians should emphasize to children the dangers associated with vehicle operation. While this does not mean needlessly scaring your teenage driver, pointing out just how common car accidents are will hopefully make your teen more likely to follow safety practices.

Explain the Need to Wear Seat Belts

Seatbelts play a critical role in helping motorists who are involved in crashes to avoid being seriously injured. By making sure your teenage driver understands that a large number of people who are seriously injured in car accidents are not wearing seat belts, teen drivers will often begin to make seat belt usage a mandatory part of vehicle operation.  

Lead by Example

Teens as well as children of all ages learn a lot from how parents or guardians behave. Teen drivers are more likely to practice safe driving patterns if they observe parents and guardians practicing safe driving techniques. This means that as a driver, you should always practice safe driving strategies including wearing a seat belt, eliminating distractions, never speeding, and following all posted road signs and regulations.

Control the Number of Passengers in the Teen's Vehicle 

One of the most overlooked vehicle distractions is when a driver has too many passengers in his or her vehicle. While having a driver's license as a teenager can make one popular, parents should do their best to enforce that rule that teens drive alone until they have a sufficient amount of experience. At the point that the teen acquires sufficient experience, parents should still place a strict limit on the number of passengers in the teen's vehicle. 

Speak With a Knowledgeable Car Crash Attorney

While there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your teenage driver ending up in an accident, remember that not all accidents are avoidable. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, however, you need not feel powerless. An experienced accident lawyer will remain committed to fighting for the results you deserve. Contact West Law Office today to schedule a free case evaluation.