Teens who obtain their driver’s license are just learning the rules of the road upon operating their vehicles. Unfortunately, they often make more mistakes than most drivers.

Understanding what types of driving mistakes a teen driver most likely make can reduce your chances of experiencing a car accident involving young motorists. For teen drivers, knowing the common mistakes can reduce your chances of making them.

The following are the common driving mistakes teens make:

• Speeding – Inexperienced drivers have a difficult time judging their speed and how it will take them to stop. In addition, they may overestimate their abilities to cope with curbs, emergency stops, and slippery road conditions.
• Distracted driving – Whether it’s texting on their smartphone or having an engaging conversation with one of their passengers while driving, there are a variety of distractions which can keep a teen driver from noticing and correcting hazardous situations on the road. Distractions can force you to take your eyes, your hands, and your attention away from the road.
• Failure to scan – Experienced motorists often constantly scan the road far ahead, a habit which is typically developed over time. On the other hand, new drivers have not developed this skill and only focus on the road or vehicle directly ahead of them, limiting their reaction time if an unexpected situation occurs.
• Fatigued driving – Teens require more sleep than most adults. However, their hectic schedule may not let them get the proper rest their bodies and minds need, which can result in driving while drowsy. Fatigued driving results in delayed reaction time and reduced awareness, resulting in car accidents.
• Taking unnecessary risks – Even driving is considered a risky activity due to the inherent dangers of the road. But when combined with poor choices, such as failing to use the turning signal or driving recklessly, the chances of causing a collision drastically increases.
• Failing to wear a seatbelt – Seat belts prevent severe and fatal injuries in the event of a crash.
• Having teen passengers – New drivers cannot wait to drive their friends around. However, teen passengers are often more distracted, causing teen drivers to drive more recklessly than they should.

If you suffered a serious injury in a car accident caused by a negligent driver in NJ, contact our Bergen County personal injury attorney at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law today.