As summer fades and the back-to-school season ramps up, the roads across Virginia become busier—with school buses, hurried parents, and teen drivers all sharing the same space. For new or inexperienced drivers, this transition can be perilous. That's why understanding Virginia Back-to-School Safety Tips for Teen Drivers is critical to protecting young lives.

At Kalfus & Nachman, we've seen the devastating impact of motor vehicle accidents involving young drivers. As Virginia teen drivers gear up for a new academic year, we're sharing key safety tips to keep them—and everyone around them—safe.

Why Virginia Teen Drivers Are at Higher Risk

Teen drivers lack the experience and quick judgment that come with years behind the wheel. According to the CDC, traffic crashes are the second leading cause of fatalities among teenagers in the U.S. The latest 2024 Virginia crash report data showed, fatalities among teen drivers aged 15-19 rose sharply, with 38 deaths marking an 18.8% increase over 2023. Last year, 3,828 teenage drivers were injured in traffic crashes, highlighting the ongoing risks young drivers encounter on the road. The risks increase significantly during the back-to-school months of August and September. These statistics underscore the need for safe driving and ongoing education for teen drivers.

• Mindful of these common teen crash factors:

• Distracted driving (especially texting)
• Speeding or failing to yield
• Drunk Driving
• Fatigue from early school schedules
• Limited experience in high-traffic or poor weather conditions

Teaching Safety Tips for Teen Drivers early on and reinforcing them regularly can dramatically reduce their risk of serious accidents. Let's keep our teen drivers safe and smart while they navigate their way back to school!

Essential Safety Tips for Virginia's Teen Drivers

Here are essential safety tips for every teen driver heading back to school should know as the school year begins:

1. Put that Phone Down: Encourage your teen to activate Do Not Disturb features while driving. Distracted driving stands out as one of the top culprits behind teen driver accidents in Virginia, and it's a habit that needs to be broken!

2. Obey Speed Limits: Remind teens that speeding not only risks lives but also carries serious legal consequences. School zones are strictly enforced, particularly in the mornings and afternoons.

3. Limit Passengers: Virginia's graduated driver licensing laws limit the number of passengers for teens-and for good reason. More passengers increase the likelihood of distraction.

4. Maintain the Vehicle: Encourage teens to get hands-on with basic car care-knowing how to maintain their vehicle can boost their confidence and safety on the road.

5. Plan for Weather: Sudden rain or fog can impact road conditions. Teen drivers should be trained on how to handle adverse weather and always drive defensively.

Even with all the right precautions, accidents can still occur. If your teen is involved in a car crash, reach out to a trusted teen car accident attorney in VA. It's wise to contact an attorney who specializes in Virginia teen driving laws. They can provide valuable guidance and support during this challenging time.

Back-to-School Shouldn't Mean Back to Worry

As parents, we want to give our children independence—but never at the cost of their safety. By following these Virginia Back-to-School Safety Tips for Teen Drivers, you can help your teen make wise choices behind the wheel this school year.

If your family needs legal support after an accident, Kalfus & Nachman is here to help. We proudly serve communities throughout Virginia and are committed to keeping our roads—and our children—safe. Call us for a free consultation today: 855-880-8163

Resource:

• https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/VA-traffic-crash-2024.pdf