Why Student Drivers are a High Risk for Motor Vehicle Accidents
As a student, you have all the freedom in the world. You don’t live with your parents anymore, you eat when you want to, sleep when you want to, and stay out all night partying when you want to. It’s all fun and games, most of the time, but the student population is amongst the highest at risk of being involved in a road accident. Motor vehicle accidents can have life changing consequences, and if you find yourself in a situation where you have been involved in a road accident, having an experienced lawyer for car accident cases is essential. When getting behind the wheel or jumping in the car to get a lift off your friend, keep in mind these reasons as to why there is such a high rate of motor vehicle accidents with students.
Inexperience
Before moving to college, students have only ever driven around their hometowns, streets they know like the back of their hand. But this is new territory, and even though they might feel confident, they don’t know the streets as well. Drivers with less experience usually aren’t as quick at spotting hazards and underestimate the consequences of small actions that could lead to accidents. Try to be aware of potential hazards that could escalate when you are driving and take on new roads with caution.
Driving with Friends
Going on a road trip with friends is a vibe like no other. But passengers are one of the main causes of distraction for student drivers. Having people in the car playing music, chatting to you or asking questions takes your mind off safe driving, and puts everyone in danger. If your friend is driving, be mindful and respectful, and if you’re the designated driver, set some rules to help keep your friends on their best behavior.
Risk Taking
It could be the excitement of the freedom, the feeling of control, or down to the fact that there are a few friends in the car. But students are more likely to take risks while driving. Speeding, over taking, and tail gating, can all increase the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, and are all completely unnecessary.
Under the Influence
As a student, you are more likely to get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You think you’ll be fine, but it puts everyone in danger. Drugs and alcohol decrease your reaction times and make you less responsive and spatially aware, dramatically increasing your risk of crashing. It is never a good idea to drive under the influence, or to get into the car with a driver that has taken drugs or alcohol.
Cell Phones
Distractions are everywhere as a driver. Using a cell phone is one of the most common distractions for young drivers. Reading a text, replying and answering a phone call all take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind away from driving, and can have detrimental consequences.
These are some of the key reasons why students are at such a high risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Being aware of them can reduce the risks and help keep yourself, and others, safe.
