For 2019, the week of October 20 through October 26 was National Teen Driver Safety Week. The week was a good opportunity for parents in the Houston area to remind their teenagers of safe driving habits. Of course, parents also need to set a good example by driving safely themselves at all times, but particularly when their teens are in the vehicle with them.

In 2017, over 2,000 people died in crashes involving a teenage driver. An additional 300,000 people suffered injuries that were significant enough to be reported. Other statistics suggested that these numbers may be higher. For instance, the NHSTA reported 3,255 teenage drivers being involved in fatal accidents in 2017. Granted, these numbers are better than they have been, but teenage drivers are still responsible for more than their fair share of automobile accidents.

It may come as little surprise to Texans that one of the biggest temptations teen drivers face is the temptation to drive while distracted. However, it may be more surprising that teen drivers face distractions from many sources aside from their own phones or electronic devices.

For example, having the music up too loud in the car or even just hauling around a bunch of their rowdy friends can distract a teenage driver. Unfortunately, given that they already lack experience behind the wheel, a distracted teenage driver can be especially dangerous.

Whether it is because they engaged in distracted driving or for other reasons, a teenage driver in Texas who carelessly causes an accident can be held legally accountable for any injuries that they cause. A victim of a teenage driver may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills and other expenses.