While many teen drivers are responsible, courteous drivers, their lack of experience puts them at risk for increased chance of car accident, no matter how diligent or alert the teen driver is. But now, the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act (STANDUP) is sweeping the nation with many states already instituting the new teen-only laws designed to protect teens and reduce the chance of car accident or injury while driving.

Did you know that teen drivers are 6 times more likely to get into an auto accident or experience personal injury as a result of inexperienced driving skills? Tragically, over 40,000 teens have died in car accidents, with many more suffering catastrophic injuries, according to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. The safety group also explains that teen car accidents cost the nation over 30 billion dollars in costs.

How do the STANDUP laws work?

The STANDUP laws are a group of teen-only driving laws that can help reduce the risk of car accident injury. New proposed changes include:

  • Only states who comply with STANDUP laws can receive funds from the Department of Transportation to support road maintenance and construction.
  • Many states will change learner permit age requirements from 15 to 16 years old.
  • Nighttime driving is minimized, allowing teens to drive only during the day.
  • No cell phone use is allowed under any circumstance, unless it is an emergency.
  • Other passengers are not allowed, or will be restricted, while a teen is driving

Other tips to reduce car accidents

Share the following tips with your teen driver, and consider using a teen driving contract to further emphasize and outline the importance of safe driving. And if you’re a teen driver, please take the following tips to heart – it just may save your life.

Teens:

  • Drive like a courteous and responsible driver. In other words, drive like you own the car, not the road. You’ve seen the signs, now it’s your turn: Share the road.
  • Slow down, take your time. Speeding is one of the main causes of car accidents, not only for teen drivers, but for adults too. Following the 2-second rule is essential to good driving habits.
  • If it’s yellow, slow down. Don’t floor it through a yellow light in hopes to catch it – slow down and stop. No matter if you are a teen or not, you may not cross through a yellow light unless you are already through the intersection. Stop at yellow. It’s the law.

About Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC.

Michael Pines is San Diego’s Safety Ambassador with a mission: prevent car accidents and promote safety. If you or your teen driver has been injured in a car accident, personal injury lawyers at the Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC., can help. Call us today at 1-858-551-2090 or use our online form for a free legal consultation. No out of pocket costs are involved with the consultation.