How Driver Education May Help Avoid Serious Accidents.

Just about anyone within the United States must take and pass some kind of driver education course before the DMV will grant them a license. Many high schools also provide driver education courses for their students and some can be taken online. Attending a course and passing the test can help people avoid some very serious problems later on when they become responsible drivers and can save lives. Usually the courses involve classroom training as well as some on the road training. The instructor will go over signage, right of way issues, proper driving techniques, and local laws. Then, each student will be able to practice driving behind the wheel and a final test will be given. In most cases, the test consists of a paper test, as well as a final road test.

Typically a course can cost anywhere from $60-$150, depending on the intensity, level, or in some cases, the court’s requirement. It also depends on the state in which the course is being taken. Many judges will demand that drivers involved in drunk driving accidents, pedestrian accidents, or other serious offenses take a course in order to get their license back. Courses can be taken with independent vendors who offer them, through the DMV or local state authorities, and some community colleges also offer them. The purpose of these courses is to educate drivers and prevent accidents on the roadways. Here are some resources for driver education courses:

· National Safety Council – Defensive Driving Course

· AAA – Directory of driving courses by state

· AARP – Driver safety course

Getting involved in a motorcycle, car, or truck accident can be costly and sometimes can unfortunately cost someone’s life. If you happen to be involved in a serious accident, there are some things to remember. Take safety precautions if you get in an accident, and move your vehicles to the side of the road so as not to block traffic, if they can be moved. Sometimes, the cars should not be moved so it will really depend on the situation at the time. Immediately call the police and check to see if the other driver(s) are ok. Be aware of your legal rights when involved in an accident, and know where to go for assistance in the event of a charge or a court cost that could be involved. Here are some resources for those involved in a car accident:

· Accidentzone.com – Some questions and answers

· Know Your Rights – Helpful information on what to do and how to protect your legal rights

· Car Accidents – A wealth of resources, articles, and information about accidents

Taking a driver education course can help save lives. Whether you need a refresher course or you’re a first time driver, there is a reason why these classes are so vital. Traffic offenders should take a “refresher course” to help improve on certain driving issues they may be experiencing. Depending on the state, there are different requirements, so do a bit of research to find out what is needed in the state you live in.

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[caption id="attachment_21715" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Photo Credit: The San Diego Union Tribune"][/caption] Last week, we reported on a car accident in San Diego that resulted out of alleged teen street racing. In new developments, the 18-year-old driver charged with the death of the two teenagers involved in the street racing has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter among four other charges according to reports at the San Diego Union Tribune. The news follows the earlier arrest of another 16-year-old driver that was taken into custody on similar charges. Just shortly after his arraignment, Michael Johnson, the 18-year-old driver of a Volvo S40, said, according to his attorney, that he is not the responsible party in the tragic San Diego accident fatalities that occurred April 4. Accident reports indicate that Johnson was returning from a spring break beach party in La Jolla when he was allegedly involved in a street racing contest with another teen driver – the unidentified 16-year-old driver of a Volkswagen Passat whose name has not been released since he is a minor. According to Deputy District Attorney Kristen Spieler, the two vehicles were zigzagging across lanes at speeds reaching up to a staggering 100 m.p.h. The 16-year-old driver in the Passat lost control over the vehicle, causing the car to flip over several times across multiple lanes of the road. Two passengers, Anthony Foreman, 18, and Jayli Campbell, 16, were thrown from the Passat and died at the scene of the accident. Two passengers survived the crash. Charlotte McQuillen, survived the accident although she suffered serious injury as a result of the collision including reports that say the teen will have to recover from traumatic brain injury. Anthoney Taylor, 16, also survived the crash although his injuries are unclear at this time. Johnson did not flee the scene of the accident according to police reports and cooperated with authorities once officers assessed the scene of the collision. The teen has no prior criminal record, although authorities say his vehicle was found containing a small amount of marijuana. Johnson is being charged with intoxicated driving, although his lawyer says there were no field sobriety tests to confirm the teen’s alleged intoxication. Teen driving: reminders for concerned parents Last week, we blogged on actions parents can take to prevent teen car accidents. Tips include:

Sign a parent-teen contract. Download your free contract now.
Enforcing the rules. Every teen driver needs to know that rules are there for a purpose, and when they are broken, consequences will follow.
Have a DUI backup plan. As most parents can attest, there are many instances when teen drivers run into problems that supersede their know-how and maturity. Drinking is one of those problems. In cases of emergency, your teen should have an open-door policy where they feel safe to call you when they need help – such in the case of drunk driving or driving while intoxicated.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC The Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC are specialists in car accident injury. Every personal injury attorney in our San Diego office works hard to seek maximum recovery for every injured client. Your case is handled without any out-of-pocket costs, so do not hesitate to speak to a San Diego personal injury lawyer today for a free legal evaluation. Call us at 1-800-655-6585.