Driving Smart: Teen Drivers | Washington Car Accident Attorney

As a parent, you have reason to worry when your teen driver gets behind the wheel. Taken from an article by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), drivers between the ages of 15-20 are the most likely age group to get in a car accident.

Don't just rely on driver's education when it comes to your teen learning how to drive. Drive with them and coach them about how to drive safe and other roadway hazards. Remind them to:

-Not drink any alcohol before driving
-Use their seat belts
-Follow the speed limit
-No phone use (calls or texting) while behind the wheel
-How to recognize potential road dangers

Additional passengers and night/weekend driving increase the chance of fatal car accidents; limit your teen's number of passengers and nighttime/weekend driving to reduce their danger. This goes for when your teen is a passenger in another teen's vehicle as well- you may want to limit how often your teen rides with another inexperienced teen driver.

Start your teen by having them drive in less potentially hazardous situations. In most states, your teen will be issued a graduated driver license (GDL). The idea behind this license is to "phase" your teen into driving by not allowing them to drive past certain hours or with any other teen passengers in the vehicle. As they gain driving experience, they will "graduate" to the later phases of driving privileges.

It is important as a parent to know the laws in your state regarding the GDL and to make sure your new driver is obeying them.

If your teen is involved in a car accident and sustained injuries, you need an experienced attorney who is familiar with Washington state's license laws and injury claims. Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation at (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue/Seattle/Everett or toll free at (800) 636-3676.