Learning to drive is a crucial milestone for most teenagers in Florida and throughout the country. However, younger drivers generally have a hard time navigating at night, during periods of inclement weather or when they are lost. They may also be more likely to use a cell phone while driving or become distracted by the antics of passengers.
Teens often drive older cars
It’s fairly common for teen drivers to purchase cars that are older and less reliable. Older cars are less expensive to acquire and insure. The disadvantage of driving a car over a few years old is that they lack safety features such as automatic emergency braking or lane departure systems. They may also be more likely to have faulty brakes or other defects simply because of the wear and tear experienced over many years.
Inexperience
Experienced drivers generally have a good feel for how fast they can drive when it’s raining or when the roads become hazardous, like in ice, snow, or rain. However, younger drivers generally don’t know how far they can push their cars when traveling during periods of wet weather or when the roads are wet. Therefore, they may be more likely to go too fast for road conditions, leading to sliding, skidding or spinning into medians or other vehicles.
You don’t know your limits
Teens do not understand that driving while tired is equivalent to driving while impaired. However, most teens feel as if they are invincible and that fatigue is something that they can push through. Unfortunately, driver fatigue is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, and you could be liable for damages if you cause a crash while tired.
If you are involved in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. If a teen caused it, it might be possible to pursue a financial award from the driver’s parents.