Summer is an exciting time for most people. For teenagers, it’s a time they can spend outside of school doing activities and working summer jobs. But as any parent knows, summer can also be a dangerous time for teen drivers.
Since there are more hours of daylight for teens to be out driving later, and there are more distractions, driving is proven to be more deadly for teens during summer months. A national study showed that over 30% of teenage deaths from driving occur over the span of time from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a period termed the “100 Deadliest Days.”
Given this alarming statistic, it’s vital to teach teen drivers ways of practicing caution while driving, especially during this dangerous timeframe.
What Makes The Summer Season More Dangerous?
For teens between the ages of 16-19, the leading cause of death is car accidents. And a greater number of these deaths occur during the summer’s 100 deadliest days. There are a number of factors that make summer more dangerous for teen drivers than any other season. Some of these risk factors include the following:
Driving Longer
Increased hours of daylight become available in the summer for teens to be driving later into the night. This can lead to tired driving and make it more likely for teens to be involved in accidents.
Distractions
Distractions are more plentiful during the summer months. With passengers in the car, or by using a cell phone while driving, teen drivers are more likely to take their focus off the road.
Speeding
Speed increases the distance required to stop a car, which can lead to accidents even if the driver is paying attention. Distractions can take the driver’s attention off the road and can lead to a delay in stopping in time to avoid a collision.
Not Wearing Seat Belts
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important things a teen driver can do to stay safe while on the road. If teens don’t wear their seatbelts, it can lead to serious injuries or death if involved in an accident.
These risk factors among others can lead to deadly accidents during the 100 deadliest days, and should be discussed with your teen so they can protect themselves from harm. We’ll discuss a few ways parents can help ensure their safety.
Tips For Keeping Teens Safe on the Road
The best way to keep teen drivers safe is by practicing caution and being prepared. If teen drivers understand the perils involved with driving, they can learn to recognize the signs and better prevent accidents from occurring. Here are some tips for parents to follow:
- Have regular conversations with your teen about the dangers of driving and how to practice caution.
- Make sure your teen gets plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel.
- Create a rule that no cell phones are to be used while driving.
- Plan ahead so that your teen is not driving in unfamiliar territory or during high-traffic times.
Teens who know the risks that come with driving will be better prepared while on the road. If they’ve been taught and shown by example what safe driving looks like, they’ll have a higher chance of avoiding a deadly crash.
Stay Safe on the Road
Although accidents are impossible to completely avoid, driving responsibly is crucial for reducing the number of accidents that happen. If teen drivers are taught proper safety tips and techniques, they can actively work to avoid encountering accidents while driving.
If you or a loved one are involved in an accident and need assistance with assessing the damage done to your vehicle, give us a call to get you back safely on the road as soon as possible!
