Many Florida residents believe that inexperience leads to car accidents. It is certainly true that new drivers may be more likely to cause or be involved in crashes because they are not as seasoned as individuals who have been driving for years. However, it is important to remember that even experienced drivers succumb to serious driving mistakes.
Whether you have a teen driver or you simply need a refresher, it is important to remember that certain driving actions can easily cause car accidents. You may need to help your teen driver recognize when he or she may not be doing the right thing, and you can lead by example by avoiding dangerous actions yourself.
What mistakes can you avoid?
When it comes to driving, any number of mistakes could take place behind the wheel. Unfortunately, driver error is a common cause of serious accidents. If you want to stay safe and help your teen driver stay safe, you may want to go over the following mistakes:
- Following too closely: Tailgating can easily result in an accident if the driver in front stops suddenly.
- Drowsy driving: You or your teen may keep late hours or generally not get enough rest. However, drowsy driving is comparable to drunk driving and is a serious safety issue.
- Distracted driving: This mistake is one of the biggest issues for drivers of all ages. When a driver is not paying attention to driving, the chances of an accident are substantial.
- Driving unpredictably: One driver’s actions can easily affect other travelers. If you or your teen suddenly changes lanes without signaling, speeds up or slows down erratically, or otherwise drives unpredictably, other drivers may not anticipate those actions, and a crash could occur.
- Speeding: Though driving can be exciting, going too fast can quickly cause a collision. Of course, it is also important to remember that driving too slowly could cause issues as well, especially for new drivers who lack confidence.
Though not every mistake is avoidable, a number of driver errors can be prevented. Ensuring that you do your best to remain focused on being a good driver and helping your teen driver do the same could ensure that you make safe trips. Of course, if another driver causes an accident that leaves you injured, you may want to explore available legal options for seeking compensation.