​Inexperience may be a disadvantage that affects a lot of teenagers. These are the factors that can increase the risk of driving for teenage drivers.

2. 1) Texting and Cellphones
Whenever a teenager is behind the wheel,
there may be temptation to text or surf the
web from a cell phone. These distractions
can increase the likelihood of a car accident
to occur. There was a study by the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety that found that
cell phone users are more likely to get into an
accident that can injure themselves.
Even in states that have banned the use of
cell phones while driving, people have been
ignoring the law. But police are cracking
down and lawsuits are on the rise, so check
your state’s cell phone usage laws and even if
there’s no law, put your phone away while
driving to avoid accidents.

3. 2) Speeding
The risk of an accident may increase with
speeding. The reduced reaction time and lack
of driving experience can be a deadly
combination. It happens whenever a
teenager drives more than the posted speed
limit.
Teen drivers should be aware of the speed
limit as well as the possible fines. Speeding
tickets can lead to suspended licenses and
drastic increases to your insurance, not to
mention the higher potential for fatal
accidents.

4. 3) Weather
There are some weather-related risks that
can increase the chance of an accident. They
are high winds, black ice, limited visibility,
snow and wet roads. Teenagers can be
susceptible to these conditions. The reason
for this is that they don't have enough driving
experience. It is important for teenagers to
know the proper driving techniques for
inclement weather and to practice them in a
controlled environment.

5. 4) Time of Day
In 2005, around half of all teen deaths in a
motor vehicle crash happened between 3
p.m. and midnight. A huge percentage
occurred during Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Limit teens to safe driving times until they
have enough experience. It can safeguard the
new drivers against undue risks.

6. 5) Peer Pressure
It is likely for unsupervised teenage drivers to
have accidents. It may increase when they
have teen passengers with them. There is
information from the statistics. An increase in
teenage passengers also increases the
likelihood of an accident. Some states have
laws against teenage drivers having
passengers if a supervising adult isn’t
present. Even if your state doesn’t have a law,
consider making it a family rule.

7. 6) Alcohol
Alcohol impairment caused the death of
more than one in four 15 to 20-year-olds that
died in automobile crashes in 2007. Check
out Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Also review The Insurance Information
Institute, and The Centers for Disease
Control. They have a comprehensive
selection of resources about drunk driving
and its prevention.

8. 7) Failure to Use Seat Belts
It is important to wear seat belts at all times to avoid injury. But
teens are less likely to wear them. There was a study by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last 2008 that said
that 55 percent of 16 to 20-year-old vehicle occupants who died
in crashes were not wearing a seat belt. The belt usage rates for
teens are especially low during night time.
These teenagers are also less likely to wear safety belts even if
their parents wear them. This information was from the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety survey last 2002.
According to the study, the passenger seat belt use was also
lower for teens compared to adults. Only 50% of males and 56%
of females that ride with adult drivers wear their seat belts. They
do this in the morning before going to school.
Aside from this, they revealed that whenever a teenager drives,
belt use falls to 42% for males and 52% for females.

9. At Roper Insurance Services​, we work hard in making sure that our clients are well-protected with policies
that they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at
(828) 697-6709
Roper Insurance Services
118 E Caswell St
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 697-6709​​​​​​​​
http://www.roperinsuranceservices.com/