Fall break is here for most areas in metro Atlanta, including county schools in Clayton, Dekalb, Douglas, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. School break means more child pedestrians and cyclists as well as increased teen driving. How can you keep your teen driver safe during fall break, and what are the biggest areas of concern?
DUI: Any Amount is Too High
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30% of U.S. drivers aged 15-20 years who were killed in motor vehicle accidents had blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.1 g/DL or higher, which is legal intoxication. Teen drivers are already at-risk of impaired driving due to lack of experience, and any amount of intoxication compounds the danger. Make sure your teen driver understands that Georgia has zero tolerance policy laws for all drivers under 21. This means any measurable amount of alcohol is deemed legal intoxication for teen drivers and will result in arrest. Taking away the keys for one night beats arrest and losing your license.
Distracted Driving: Lose the Phone
Adults as well as teenagers are increasingly distracted by phones, tablets, and other devices while driving. All it takes is a second of looking away from the road to cause a fatal accident. Be honest: do you as a parent ever use your phone while driving? Teenagers will notice your actions and copy them, no matter what you say to the contrary. In addition to being a good example, remind your teenager that Georgia is a graduated driver licensing (GDL) state. Cell phones and other electronics are not allowed during the first two phases of their license: the learner’s permit and the intermediate license. The minimum age for a full driver’s license is 18, which means zero drivers under the age of 18 are allowed to use an electronic device while driving.
Speeding in Metro Atlanta
Unfortunately, it is beyond the ability of an individual parent to change the culture of high speeds in Metro Atlanta. What you can do is monitor your own driving and that of your teen driver. Many insurance policies offer reduced rates for driving within the speed limit and other good driving behaviors. Enrolling your teen driver is such a program is a great way to make sure their speeding is tracked, even if they don’t get stopped by an officer.
This fall break, take proactive steps to ensure for your teen driver – and everyone else on the road.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm, and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other forms of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.