It's common knowledge that teenagers have a greater chance of becoming involved in an auto accident than any other age group, except the very old. Most of this has to do with experience. What drivers are aware of after they've driven several hundreds of miles over a long period of time is news to teenagers. However, there are certain things teens do simply because they're teens. While speaking on a cell phone and speeding are not limited to teens, their lack of experience makes it more likely there will be a bad outcome.

It is for this reason that the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is introducing a safe driving contract that parents and their teens will sign. It contains a series of agreements, such as no cell phone use, no speeding, and no loud music while driving. It also lays out consequences if these agreements are broken. The ultimate reason for this is to lower the number of auto accidents involving teen drivers and their passengers. DMV Commissioner Robert Ward says teen drivers are three to four times more likely to be involved in an accident than are more experienced drivers.

While tougher driving laws for teens went into effect earlier this year, the driving contracts are simply a way for parents to speak to their teenagers about some of these issues. Ward also states that they would like to hear from teen drivers about making suggestions for driver safety because teens would rather hear from their peers and not someone like their parents or their parents' age.

For those not in Connecticut, the contract can be found on the Allstate website. If you have been involved in an auto accident with a teenager, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in your area.