In Tennessee, you can start your driving journey at 15 years old with a learning permit, followed by an Intermediate Driver’s License, before you can get a full driver’s license. Even with years of driving experience, you could still get into accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers ages 16-19 years old are at higher risk of car accidents compared to other age groups.
Driving under the influence of alcohol increases car crash risk among teen drivers
Consuming any amount of alcohol before driving, even if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level lower than the legal limit for adults, could put you at higher risk of being involved in car accidents. Getting involved in car crashes due to alcohol intake could lead to a chain of legal problems.
You and your parents could be liable for the damages
Teens have the same responsibility as adult driver’s license holders. Thus, you could be liable for the injuries and damages caused when you get into an accident. In Tennessee, vehicle owners are required to have car insurance. If you were using your family car during the accident, your auto insurance would cover compensating the victim’s medical expenses, property damage and distress.
You could face criminal charges
Depending on the severity of the accident, you could face a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). When found guilty, a DUI charge could result in fines, license suspension, community service and even jail time.
A DUI incident could have a lasting impact, especially for teen drivers. A criminal record could impact your job opportunities and driving privileges. It would be best to prevent instances of DUI among teen drivers through proper education and parental guidance. However, when you are already in this situation, it is essential to understand your case and the remedies available to you.