May is Global Youth Traffic Safety Month

On behalf of Orin Cohen of Orin J. Cohen Law

May is Global Youth Traffic Safety Month, which is designed to help young drivers in New York and elsewhere get ready for summer driving season. It also aims to help parents successfully coach teen drivers as they gain experience on the road.

The weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are a prime driving season for many U.S. drivers. This is because school is out, the weather is warm and people want to enjoy graduations, barbecues and family road trips. However, elevated traffic volumes and large numbers of teen drivers can lead to more car crashes.

In order to prevent motor vehicle accidents, experts encourage parents to demonstrate safe driving habits for their teens and help them practice how to respond to various driving hazards. Examples of common driving hazards include heavy traffic, nighttime driving, construction zones, bicycles and motorcycles, large groups of pedestrians, children and animals in the road and busy parking lots. Experts say that parents should also teach teens how to inspect a vehicle for maintenance and safety issues, adjust mirrors and assess a vehicle’s advanced safety features. By regularly doing these things, parents can show teens that even experienced drivers take safety issues seriously.

Unfortunately, thousands of people are killed and injured in car accidents over the summer months each year. Victims of such crashes may want to consult with a personal injury attorney about their legal rights. In some cases, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit in order to recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and property loss. In other circumstances, an attorney may be able to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Source: National Safety Council, “Are You and Your Teen Ready for Summer Driving?,” May 16, 2018