Parents of Teen Drivers - Do You Know The Mistakes Young Drivers Commonly Make?

We at Meldon Law support the initiative to keeping our adolescents safe while behind the wheel. As with many other issues that need remedying, the first step is identifying issues that eventually lead to the problem. Adolescent drivers make many mistakes while behind the wheel such as:

  • Subjecting Themselves to Distractions - Whether it be loud music, eating while driving, talking on a cell-phone, or text messaging, adolescents have a tendency to subject themselves to distractions while driving. A motor vehicle is a very dangerous machine, and while operating one, a teenager needs to solely focus on safe driving.
  • Taking Unnecessary Risks - Too often do teenagers switch lanes without looking, or ignore traffic signs and signals. Teenagers have a predisposition to deliberately put themselves in dangerous situations, when a safer situation is available.
  • Speeding - A study by the National Institute of Health reported that teenage drivers drive an average of 1.3 mph faster than adults.
  • Overcrowding the Car - Teens often pack more people into a car than is acceptable by law and standards. In addition, it has been reported that teens often drive faster and more aggressively when the car is over-packed.
  • Driving Under the Influence - It is no secret that alcohol and other drugs impair one's judgment and reaction time, both of which directly lead to unsafe driving.
  • Following too Closely - At 60 mph, a car needs between 120 and 140 feet to come to a complete stop. Many teenagers do not know this, and follow far too close to the vehicle in front.
  • Not Fastening a Seat-Belt - A 2006 survey reported that 76% of adolescents buckle up while driving. This statistic is the lowest of any age group.


All of these common mistakes, and many others could lead to tragedies on the road. National Teen Driver Safety week is just one step in the right direction. This year, National Teen Driver Safety Week focused on parents teaching their children to drive. In addition to reducing mistakes made by teens while behind the wheel, here are some tips for parents when teaching your children:

Teach your Children Well - Beware of the Dangers Teen Drivers Bring To The Road: Parent Tips on Teen Driving Safety.


What can I do to help keep my teen driver safe this summer and over the 4th, (and every week of the year)?

For more information:

National Teen Driver Week Urges Parental Involvement - Every Week of the Year

Vehicle crashes and young drivers - Ocala accident attorney gives information




Attorney Jeffrey Meldon

Hello, I am Jeffrey Meldon. As an accident attorney, I strongly believe that public education is the first step in the prevention of an accident or in the recovery from one. 

My Office and Assoicates are located in Gainesville, Florida. We are Personal Injury Attorneys (Accident Lawyers). I take pride in my work and the results that I and my experienced team of Associates and Staff get for our clients.  

Everyone in my Office works hard to help accident victims get the justice and the fair settlement or jury verdict that they deserve thoughout the North and Central Florida area including: Ocala, Marion County, Alachua County, Lake City, Citrus County, Daytona Beach, and Inverness. I am highly involved with every case in my office and am the negotiator with insurance companies.

You can feel free to give me a call at 1 800 373 8000 or contact my office, with any questions you may have, or to discuss your unique case.

Consultations and Case Evaluations are always Free