Driving is a skill which takes years to master. For that reason, it’s not surprising that young and inexperienced drivers will make critical errors behind the wheel which can lead to collisions. Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC can help accidents build their claim for compensation. Contact us to speak with a Wisconsin car accident lawyer with our firm. Below, we identify some of the most common errors inexperienced motorists can make.
Distracted Driving
New drivers are often distracted by cellphones, which they probably carry around in their hand all hours of the day. Once behind a wheel, however, motorists should put their phones away since driving is not the time to send or even read a text message.
Other distractions can include passengers in the vehicle. This is one reason why Wisconsin has adopted Graduated Driver’s License restrictions which limit who can be in the vehicle with a teenage driver.
For example, teen drivers have a probationary period where they cannot have a non-relative in the car with them. This restriction reduces the risk of teen drivers going “joyriding” with friends and taking unnecessary risks to show off.
Driving While Fatigued
Teens are often full of energy, but they can also “crash” even harder than older drivers. A teenager who stays up all night will need to sleep eventually, and hopefully not when driving.
This is another reason why the state restricts teenage driving between midnight and 5:00 am. A driver under 18 can travel between home, school, and a job, otherwise they need a parent or guardian in the passenger’s seat beside them.
Tailgating
Motorists should leave sufficient distance between themselves and the car in front, at least several seconds. That kind of cushion gives a motorist time to brake when the vehicle in front slows down suddenly. Tailgating is also a problem on the highway, when traffic is going faster and any crash can lead to a multi-vehicle pileup.
Driving Too Fast for Conditions
One misconception inexperienced drivers have is that they can drive the posted speed limit during any weather. In reality, the posted limit is the maximum speed when conditions are perfect. Drivers should reduce speed in rain, snow, and fog. Poor road conditions contribute to accidents, especially when they blind a driver or reduce traction.
Late Use of a Turn Signal
The purpose of a blinker is to signal to drivers you will be slowing down to make a turn. Too many inexperienced drivers instead pump the brakes and only throw on a signal as they are making a turn. That defeats the purpose of the signal. Instead, motorists should turn on the signal several seconds before they even start to brake.
Panicking in New Situations
It takes years or even a decade to fully master driving. Inexperienced drivers often panic when they confront a new situation, such as heavy traffic on the highway or a complicated four-way stop. An inexperienced driver might suddenly experience a panic attack or make a rash decision because they are not thinking calmly.
Skipping Vehicle Maintenance
A car needs regular maintenance to run properly and avoid crashes. Many inexperienced drivers either don’t know how to stick to a regular maintenance schedule, or they lack the money to have their car fixed. But all sorts of things can go wrong, from failing brakes to stuttering engines which render the car hard to control.
Refusing to Yield to Traffic
This is a major concern, especially on highways. For some reason, there is a myth that drivers looking to merge should never stop at the end of the on-ramp. Actually, they might have to stop if they cannot safely merge with traffic. Inexperienced drivers often throw themselves into traffic and either cause a crash or force another motorist in the lane to take sudden, defensive action.
Failing to Stop after a Collision
Like other states, Wisconsin requires motorists to stop after a crash and help injured victims, if necessary. An accident is one of those situations where a driver might panic due to inexperience. Instead of stopping, they hit the gas and speed home. Sadly, many injured people are struggling and left behind.
Were You Struck by a New Driver?
At one time, every motorist was inexperienced, and we welcome all new drivers. Unfortunately, inexperience is a major cause of accidents, and too many innocent people are injured in collisions. Call Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, today to schedule a free consultation with our office. Our Wisconsin car accident attorneys can discuss what happened and provide insight into whether you can seek financial compensation in a settlement.