Meridian Teen Caused Ten-Vehicle Car Crash on I-84

A Meridian teen caused a ten-vehicle car crash on Interstate 84 in Boise. The 19-year-old Meridian teen was driving west on I-84 when he left his lane of travel and struck nine vehicles. It took crews a few hours to get everything cleared and cleaned up from the multiple car accidents. The teen and one other elderly driver were the only ones reportedly injured from the car accidents. They were taken to a nearby medical center for evaluation of injuries.

Car Accident Statistics for Teen Drivers

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens age 15 to 20. When a teenager is driving other teens, their risk of being involved in a fatal car accident doubles. Each year, drivers under the age of 18 are involved in 900,000 car accidents. Why? Teens typically underestimate or are unable to recognize hazardous driving conditions. Drivers between the age of 16 and 17 are nearly nine times more likely to be in a car accident than middle-aged drivers. Forty percent of teen car accidents occur at night, usually before midnight.  These are scary statistics for parents of teen drivers. The following are seven tips for parents of teen drivers to help calm your nerves.

7 Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers

1. Lots of Practice

The more time your teenager practices driving the better decisions they’ll be able to make on the road. In fact, a new driver’s car accident risk is three times that of a driver with experience.

2. Set Specific Rules

Teen drivers who have parents that are involved are twice as likely to wear a seat belt. Before your teen receives a driver’s license, you should set clear and specific rules that are fair. Discuss the details of their driving restrictions and agree on what is discussed. Clear communication will help everyone understand what is expected.

3. Driving Contract for Parent and Teen

After discussing your teen’s driving rules, create a driving agreement you both sign. You may want to also chart their progress, update the rules, and agree on car schedules. Then, keep the contract posted on an easily accessible place such as the refrigerator.

4. No Passengers at First

One of the main causes of car accidents are distractions. Other passengers, especially other teens, can be a huge distraction for new drivers. In fact, studies show each additional passenger in the car increases the likelihood of an accident.

5. No Texting

11 teens are killed everyday as a result of texting and driving. Texting while driving is one of the most common causes of accidents, yet can be easily preventable. Take time to educate your teen about the dangers of texting and driving. You can also encourage them to take a pledge to never text and drive.

6. Driving Education

Driver’s Ed is essential for every new driver. Knowing and understanding the laws and regulations of driving in your state will greatly help your teen to be a better driver and lower their risk of being involved in a car accident.

7. Professional Driving Instructor

Along with driver’s ed, it is also a great idea to hire a professional driving instructor for your teen. A professional driving instructor has certified experience as well as other resources at their disposal that could greatly help your teen’s driving ability.

Car Accident Lawyers

Looking for an experienced Boise car accident lawyer? The car accident lawyers at Parke Gordon Law Firm in Boise have years of experience representing car crash clients and obtaining impressive results for them quickly. The auto accident attorneys at the law office of Parke Gordon Law Firm in Boise understand what it takes to get their clients the compensation deserved. Let us handle your car accident case. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve including lost wages. In addition, you pay nothing until your case is settled. Call an experienced car accident attorney at our Boise law office today for a free consultation. This is your opportunity to discuss your car accident case with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Call the Parke Gordon Boise office now at (208) 322-7274.