Boston Road Safety, Part 9: Youth Safety

Young drivers are some of the most at-risk for Boston car accidents and for crashes across the country.

In fact, the department of transportation offers the following guidelines for young motorists:

1. Wear your seat belt. It’s your first line of defense against serious injury, and statistics show that of the teens killed in Massachusetts car accidents, about two-thirds weren’t buckled up.

2. Limit how many people you ride with, as your friends may distract you.

3. Avoid distractions. Because crashes can happen in seconds, it’s important for you to focus on the road, rather than the radio, your phone or your friends in the car with you.

4. Turn slowly. This will help decrease your risk of roll over or the possibility of accidentally striking a bicyclist or pedestrian, who you may not see if you’re traveling too fast.

5. Don’t drink or do drugs before you get behind the wheel.

6. Don’t travel at night. Not only can it be dangerous for an inexperienced driver, but in Massachusetts, it’s against the law for anyone under 18 to drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. without a parent in the car with you.

If you or your teen have been involved in a car accident in Massachusetts, contact Boston Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman. Our firm offers free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.

Additional Resources:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Young Drivers

More Blog Entries:

Boston Road Safety, Part 4: Distracted Driving

Boston Road Safety, Part 3: Child Safety Seats

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