Getting a driver’s license remains one of the most significant rites of passage in a young person’s life. However exciting, entering the road comes with dangers. After all, new drivers are much more likely to be involved in a car accident and suffer injuries. In fact, car accidents are the number one killer of teenagers in the US. Of course, every parent hopes to prepare their children with the skills to avoid such situations. So, here are five helpful driving safety tips for teens in Nevada to help them avoid common youth traffic-related injuries.
Continue to Practice
Just because a driver is licensed doesn’t mean they know everything about safe driving. Thus, new drivers should continue to practice. By practicing safe driving techniques, new drivers can form habits like:
- Always coming to a complete stop
- Looking both ways before proceeding through an intersection
- Understanding right of way at stop signs
- Allowing safe distance between surrounding vehicles
- Continuing to check all mirrors
Habits like these can mean all the difference. So, when encouraging driving safety for teens in Nevada, make sure they continue to practice their new skills.
Follow Nevada’s Traffic Laws for Teens
In Nevada, certain laws enforce stricter rules for teenage drivers. For instance, teenagers must hold a driving permit for at least six months. Then, they may apply and test for a full drivers’ license. Then, even after a full license has been issued, teenage drivers may only carry family or passengers over the age of 18.
Nevada also has a curfew for drivers under the age of 18. This statewide curfew is between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Local curfews, for certain neighborhoods, are also in effect. In Las Vegas, the curfew is 9:00 p.m. on the Strip. Curfew extends to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and to 12:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday throughout the city.
Finally, there is a 0.02 blood alcohol limit for any driver under the age of 21 years old.
Ultimately, if someone under the age of 21 drinks and drives, they will be subject to the law due to their age. Thus, not only will a teen driver be in more danger when driving under the influence, they may also get in trouble for it.
Don’t Drive Recklessly
Reckless driving is one of the leading causes of car accident injury and death. Furthermore, reckless driving comes in many forms. For instance, failure to heed traffic signals and signs, ignoring speed limits, and even driving with music blaring too loudly can heighten the risk of an accident. Instead, drivers should follow any traffic signs, turn music volume down, and keep both hands on the wheel.
Additionally, entering a road during poor driving conditions can be considered reckless driving. If bad weather is brewing, teen drivers should consider staying home or changing routes until roads clear up. However, sometimes accidents happen even after all precautions are taken. If your teenager is injured in an accident, call 702-968-7500for legal help 24/7.
Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers stand by, ready to help you.
Put Away the Phone
It’s important to understand the dangers of distracted driving, especially when it comes to teen vehicle injury prevention. Any time the driver takes their eyes from the road, it is possible they may hit an obstacle in their path.
For instance, highway drivers travel the length of a football field in five seconds. Therefore, glancing at a phone for five seconds leaves a driver unaware of road conditions.
Distracted driving isn’t all about the phone, though. Other acts that distract drivers are:
- Holding a conversation with a passenger
- Reaching for an item that may have fallen on the floor
- Doing makeup or hair
- Following a navigation system
- Adjusting the radio
- Eating or drinking
Anything that takes the driver’s eyes from the road can become very dangerous. So, ensure your teens understand the importance of keeping their eyes on the road.
Wear Your Seatbelt
Often, when teen fatalities happen on Nevada roads, seat belts could have saved lives. Seat belts are designed for a reason. When worn properly, the passenger’s body rests secured and supported in its seat.
Without a seatbelt in place, risk of injury rises. In fact, whenever an accident occurs, passengers without wear seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle. For this reason, motivate your child to wear their seatbelt. And, should your child be injured in an accident, reach out to ER injury Attorneys to receive maximum compensation.
Contact Our Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers
It’s upsetting when a young driver sustains injuries in a car crash. So, utilize the Las Vegas car accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys for award-winning legal help. Fill out an online form, and let our attorneys work for your family. Or, talk to a representative directly via LiveChat for a FREE consultation and no-obligation case review.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.