Some Summer Safety Driving Tips That Teenagers Must Be Aware Of

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States. Despite the fact that the specific age group drives less than all but the oldest people, the numbers tell a different story; the number of crashes and the resulting deaths among teenagers are disproportionately high.

To make matters worse, teenagers face a greater likelihood of suffering severe injuries or getting killed in vehicle crashes during the summer season. Since this time of the year is known for school breaks, teenagers have more time in their hands to go out and plan road trips with friends. With some parents being lax in supervising their teenage sons and daughters when the school is out, the chances of road accidents involving the said age group increase. 

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that a total of 3,023 teenagers within the 13-19 age range died in motor vehicle crashes in 2011. Although the said figure was a slight decrease from the previous year (3,121, 2010), the 2011 statistics accounted for 10 percent of the total vehicle crash fatalities, which stood at 32,367. In addition, more teens died in the summer months—July and August—than any other months in 2011.

For teenagers to avoid becoming a statistic, a Los Angeles accident attorney advises parents of teenagers to be responsible enough to supervise their sons and daughters during the summer season, especially in the aspect of driving. Here are some summer driving tips for teenagers:

Leaving the Scene of the Accident Can Get You Into Trouble

As a Los Angeles motorist, it is a must that you are aware of the steps that you need to do in case you get involved in a car accident. First, you must move your vehicle out of the traffic flow and, if possible, contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or law enforcement and wait for them to get to the scene.

While at the accident scene, it is important that you take photographs of any debris or dents on your vehicle using your cell phone or camera, if you have one. If there are witnesses present at the scene, obtain their contact information, and provide them yours. After the accident, don’t forget to contact your insurance provider and explain to your agent of what happened. Never agree to provide a recorded statement to your insurance provider without first seeking legal advice from a Los Angeles car accident attorney.

Such unfortunate events often involve damage to property, as well as occurrence of injury or death to another person. In any of these circumstances, the one thing that you need to do is stay at the scene. Doing otherwise may cause you to face either a misdemeanor or a felony charge.

You may face a misdemeanor charge if you leave the accident scene which involved property damage. As stated by the California Vehicle Code section 20002, you are only allowed to stop at the scene and provide your contact information (name, home address, vehicle registration, contact number) to the owner of the damaged property. You may also provide the other party your driver’s license.

Meanwhile, you may face a felony charge if you do the same thing; this time if there is either personal injury or death involved. As stated by the California Vehicle Code section 20001, aside from stopping at the scene, you must also provide either the injured person/s or police officers your contact and vehicle information. If the vehicle you were driving is not yours, the name and address of the car owner must be provided.

It is important that you also assist any injured person involved in the accident. Within 24 hours of the accident, you must file an accident report at the police department near the area where the accident or with the CHP.


To know more information about Vehicle Accident, you can visit this website: http://www.personalinjurydefenders.com/vehicle-accidents.html

Trash Truck Runs Over, Kills Los Angeles 87-year-old Woman

Truck accidents and mishaps involving big, powerful vehicles are commonly reported in the State of California as well as in different parts of the country. That is because there are certain instances when driving these behemoths are quite tricky. That is why for those people who are driving these vehicles, it is important to make sure that they have the experience, the training, or are qualified to operate those dangerous vehicles.

Importance of driver’s license classes

Ever wonder what the field “class” on your driver’s license means? Basically, this pertains to the restrictions in as far as the type of vehicle that one driver is allowed to operate. By limiting the type of vehicle that a driver can use, traffic safety is improved as it ensures that a particular motorist has the training and experience to handle the vehicle he or she is driving.

Driver error as the leading cause of accidents

For a number of years now, it has been documented that driver error is the leading cause of motor vehicle accident. That is why it is important that drivers of trucks, or other heavy equipment should have the training and experience to do so, else they could be a rolling accident waiting to happen.

Example of driver error gone really wrong

Just lately, one 87-year-old woman was killed in Los Angeles after she has been hit by a garbage truck collector. According to reports, the woman was just standing at the intersection of Broadway and Avenue 22 when the city trash truck hit her. Investigations further revealed that the driver of the truck was not aware of what happened until somebody else has flagged him down. This is a perfect example of driver error. As a driver, you should be aware of what is happening to your surroundings and be able to avoid road hazards around you. Unfortunately, the driver failed to do all of those and that caused the demise of the poor, old lady.