Minnesota Teen Driver Deaths Rise: Tips for Safe Driving
April 2013
More teens have died in car accidents in the months of April, May and June over the past three years than in any of the other months of the year. This statistic encouraged the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety to implore parents to teach their children about safe driving as they travel to the prom and other end of school-year activities.
Teen Fatalities on Minnesota’s Roads
In the years 2010 to 2012, 30 teen passengers died in car collisions, and 19 of those had not secured their seat belts. These collisions occurred in the months of April, May and June of the aforementioned years making it the deadliest season for teen passengers. In January, February and March, there were 24 teen fatalities with seven victims found to be without secured seat belts. In July, August and September, the authorities recorded 32 teen deaths with 13 unbelted victims. In October, November and December, 17 teen fatalities occurred, and seven of those did not have their seat belts fastened.
Suggestions for Reducing Distracted Driving
The main cause of car collisions in Minnesota is distracted driving, and it is the reason that about 70 people lose their lives every year. To help reduce the numbers of distractions, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety offers the following advice:
- Keep cellular phones in a place where they cannot be reached
- Set the radio and adjust the air conditioning or heat before setting out onto the roads
- If reading a map is necessary, pull over to the side of the road first
- Refrain from eating and drinking unless the beverage can be placed where it will be secure
Most importantly, everybody in the vehicle needs to secure their seat belts before the vehicle begins to move. For more information on how to avoid distractions while driving, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
The Personal Injury Law Firm of Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car collision, you will need to hire an experienced attorney to help you navigate the court system. The experts at the law firm of Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben have 40 years of experience making sure that their clients’ rights are respected especially when the insurance companies are doing their best to convince you to accept a low settlement. Call the law firm of Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben for a free consultation at 612-377-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-752-4265.