Sophomores Review Driver Safety

Have you ever experienced an accident or seen an accident that left you shock? With summer around the corner and more teens on the road, it’s important to know how to prevent accidents and what to do.

There are many ways to prevent accidents. Many of the ones who get in car accidents are mainly teenagers, ages 16-19. Unfortunately the reason why teenagers get involved is because they’re being reckless. Not following rules, signals, the speed limit, or caring about themselves and others by being drunk or high on drugs exposes drivers to danger.

Here are some tips for what you should do when you get in accident:

1. Immediately stop driving

2. Protect the scene

3. Call the police

4. Take picture of the accident

5. Exchange information

6. Report the accident

7. Seek medical attention

8. Keep a file

9. Protect your rights

More than 3,700 people were killed on Texas roadways last year marking a 10 percent increase in traffic deaths from 2016, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation. The Insurance Council of Texas reports that since 2010, traffic deaths in the state have increased by 34 percent. That’s why whenever we get in the road we should follow these rules:

• Pull into traffic slowly. Stop, Look, Listen

• Watch for red light runners

• Count to three before entering an intersection on a green light

• Keep at least one hand on the steering wheel

• Watch for kids

• Perform engine maintenance regularly

• Scan 12 seconds ahead

• Look backwards when backing out

• Do not tailgate

• It’s better to be late than never to get there