3 Danger Zones Every Teen Driver Behind the Wheel Must Know

Learning to drive is a major milestone in a teenager’s life. Only they know how many months they spent waiting for that day.

Many teens fare better behind the wheel than old drivers. But some don’t understand the responsibility that comes with driving. Crash rates are nearly 4 times higher in teen drivers than those aged 20 and older for every mile driven.

Approximately 2,883 teens aged between 13 and 19 lost their lives in the U.S. due to crash injuries in 2022. The rates of crashes are alarmingly higher in teens than in older people due to immaturity. Their lack of maturity causes them to speed and engage in other risky behaviors.

Hitting the open road is exciting. But there are certain danger zones that can turn a simple drive into a risky situation. In this article, we’ll discuss some common ones, so you can watch them out and drive with confidence.

Danger Zone #1: Cruising Down a Curved Road

Curvy roads look scenic, but they can be tricky to navigate. The twists and turns require quick judgment and smooth handling. Cruising down a curved road, thus, is challenging.

You can lose control if you take a curve too fast. Things can further go south if the road is icy or wet or has loose gravel.

A 16-year-old Foresthill resident was killed in an early morning car crash this March; 4 other teens suffered injuries. CBS Sacramento reported that the teens neared a sharp curve while riding were heading eastbound on Foresthill Road on a Toyota RAV4. The 16-year-old driver failed to follow the curve and went off the road. The car crashed into a tree.

The key to driving through a curved road safely is to slow down. Never brake in the middle, or you run the risk of skidding, sliding, or rolling over. Also, keep your eyes on the road. It will allow you to anticipate what’s coming next.

Danger Zone #2: Driving in the Dark

Driving in the dark is dangerous for drivers of all ages. But it’s more so for teen drivers, says the CDC. Half of all traffic deaths, or 50%, happen at night.

Glare from oncoming headlights, reduced visibility, and fatigue make nighttime driving hazardous. Teens are unable to react quickly. It’s also easy to miss things like a pedestrian crossing or a sharp bend ahead when your vision is limited.

Just this May, Leader Publications reported that a St. Louis woman was arrested for injuring two teens. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the car crash occurred just south of Olympian Village.

The 25-year-old woman was driving eastbound on Flucom Road in a 2018 Toyota Rav4. She failed to yield to a 2004 GMC 2400 pickup driven by a 17-year-old boy from Festus on southbound Hwy. 67. The latter struck Toyota’s left rear. All three passengers sustained minor injuries.

Avoid driving after 9 or 10 p.m. for the first six months of licensed driving, at the very least.

Anytime you’re behind the wheels at night, align your car’s headlight. Use high beams while driving in the dark—just remember to switch them off when other cars approach.

Still, if you get into a car accident like the two teens riding the 2004 GMC 2400 pickup —say in St. Louis, you can seek compensation. A St. Louis personal injury lawyer with experience in car accident claims can help you navigate the legal complexities. They can ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Just make sure you hire an experienced car accident attorney. TorHoerman Law advises victims to find someone who’s experienced litigating car accident lawsuits. They will help you secure the compensation you deserve for your loss.

Danger Zone #3: Driving in a Dangerous Manner

Tailgating, speeding, and weaving in and out of traffic might seem thrilling. But driving recklessly increases the likelihood of crashes.

You might be tempted to push the limits. But aggressive maneuvers like sudden lane changes or hard braking can catch other drivers off guard. Things can get awful. The thrill of breaking speed limits or showing off can easily turn into a tragic mistake.

A 19-year-old Grinnell teen, Benjamin Kelne, was charged with involuntary manslaughter after he killed a high-school senior due to reckless driving.

Whenever you’re behind the wheel, follow safe driving practices. Obey speed limits, maintain a safe following distance, and always signal your intentions.

In a nutshell, driving is not just about getting from one point to the other; it’s about doing so safely.

Staying aware of the danger zones can reduce your chances of getting into a car accident. That is because you can practice safe driving habits—whether it’s slowing down on a winding road or avoiding reckless driving behaviors. Over time, you will become a responsible driver.