Car Accident Lawyer Outer Banks

Summer is a time for road trips, beach days, and exploring new places, but for young drivers, it’s also a time to be extra cautious on the roads. With increased traffic, longer daylight hours, and a tendency to drive more frequently, summer poses unique risks for young drivers. As a result, new and young drivers need to be aware of the safety precautions they should take to ensure their well-being and the safety of others on the road. Below are five must-know safety tips for young drivers as summer approaches.

Anyone injured in a crash should contact our Outer Banks car accident lawyers to learn what legal recourse they may have for damages.

Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

As a young driver, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of summer activities. However, distraction is one of the most significant dangers to any driver, particularly young drivers. How can staying focused improve your driving safety? Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers can lead to severe accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents for young drivers.

One of the most common distractions among young drivers is texting. Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, which can be more than enough time to cause a serious accident. Putting your phone out of reach and avoiding texting while driving is critical.

While it’s common for young drivers to have friends or family in the car, managing the number of passengers is important. Too many passengers can increase the likelihood of distractions. The more people there are in the car, the more likely it is that the driver will become distracted by conversations, arguments, or even the act of trying to engage with everyone.

Staying focused on the road means making a conscious effort to limit distractions and establish driving rules for passengers. If you need to send a text or adjust the GPS, pull over safely before doing so.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence

The summer months often involve social gatherings, barbecues, and trips to the beach, many of which might include alcohol. How can driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs affect your safety and others’ safety on the road? Young drivers must understand the dangers of driving under the influence. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction times, and decision-making abilities. Even a small amount of alcohol can significantly affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Research shows that young drivers are particularly at risk for alcohol-related accidents. Young drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are involved in a disproportionately high number of alcohol-related crashes. The combination of inexperience and impaired judgment increases the risk of accidents.

It’s important to note that in most states, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 is zero. This means that any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, or even jail time.

If you plan to drink, make sure you have a designated driver, use a ridesharing service, or arrange for a sober friend or family member to take you home. Don’t risk your life or the lives of others by driving under the influence.

Use Seat Belts and Ensure Passengers Do the Same

It might seem like common sense, but the importance of wearing a seat belt cannot be overstated. Why is wearing a seatbelt crucial for young drivers? Seat belts save lives and are the most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a crash.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent. Unfortunately, young drivers are less likely to wear seat belts compared to older drivers, which puts them at an increased risk of injury or death in an accident.

As a young driver, it’s essential to set a good example by always wearing your seat belt and ensuring all passengers do the same. It’s not enough to buckle up yourself—if passengers are in your car, you should also remind them to do so.

In most states, including North Carolina, wearing a seat belt is not just a safety recommendation; it’s the law. Drivers who fail to ensure that their passengers are wearing seat belts can face fines and penalties. Protecting yourself and your passengers by making sure everyone is buckled up should be a top priority before hitting the road.

Be Prepared for Adverse Weather Conditions

Summer weather can vary greatly, and while sunny days are often ideal for driving, young drivers should always be prepared for adverse weather conditions. What should young drivers know about driving in different weather conditions? Driving in poor weather can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced drivers, whether it’s a sudden thunderstorm, intense heat, or foggy mornings. It’s essential to adjust your driving habits to match the road and weather conditions.

Rain can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. When driving in wet conditions, it’s crucial to slow down and maintain a greater following distance. Wet roads can cause your tires to lose traction, leading to hydroplaning. If visibility is poor, use your headlights and turn on your windshield wipers to ensure clear visibility.

In hot weather, your car’s tires, engine, and other systems can become vulnerable to damage. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition, especially if you plan to drive long distances. Always check the tire pressure, coolant levels, and air conditioning system before hitting the road during a heatwave.

Summer mornings can bring fog, which dramatically reduces visibility. In foggy conditions, slow down, use low-beam headlights (high beams can worsen the glare), and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast and adjust your driving habits accordingly. Always be ready to respond quickly to unexpected weather changes and ensure your car is in optimal condition for safe travel.

Know Your Vehicle and Practice Defensive Driving

For young drivers, one of the most important things you can do is become familiar with your vehicle and the art of defensive driving. How can knowing your vehicle and practicing defensive driving improve safety? Understanding the basic mechanics of your vehicle, such as how to check tire pressure or operate essential systems like headlights and wipers, can help you stay safe on the road.

Defensive driving techniques, such as scanning the road for hazards, anticipating potential problems, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, are essential for reducing the risk of an accident. Always be aware of your surroundings, stay alert to other drivers’ behaviors, and avoid aggressive driving.

Avoid tailgating, using the left lane improperly, or engaging in risky maneuvers like sudden lane changes without signaling. By practicing defensive driving, young drivers can minimize their risk of accidents and increase their ability to react to sudden road hazards.

Contact an OBX Car Accident Attorney for Assistance

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a young driver, contact an OBX car accident attorney to see what type of financial damages you may be entitled to. The legal team from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case, like the $200,000 settlement we were able to secure for one client who suffered a broken hip and a fractured vertebra when another driver crashed into his car in the Outer Banks.

Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Summer Safety Tips for Young Drivers