The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers are here. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the risk of a deadly car accident skyrockets. Teens are often inexperienced behind the wheel and more likely to take risks when driving. “This summer could prove even more dangerous for teen drivers as the 100 Deadliest Days coincides with what is expected to be a busier summer driving season than last year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for The Auto Club Group. Keeping your teen safe during this period is more important than ever. Below we discuss tips for keeping your teen driver safe on the road.
- Make sure teens get plenty of practice behind the wheel before heading out on their own. Don’t let teens drive without a license or take your car out for a “practice run.” If you don’t have time to teach your teen how to drive, hire a professional or enroll them in a driver’s ed course.
- Don’t let teens drive with lots of friends in the car. Even focused teen drivers can quickly become distracted when a passenger is taking the driver’s eyes off the road with phone apps, texting, pictures, or even daring or pressuring the driver to ack recklessly.
- Teach your teen to always wear a seatbelt when operating a vehicle. In 2019, over 36,000 people died on U.S roadways in motor vehicle crashes, and nearly half of those deaths (47%) involved passengers that were not wearing their seatbelts. According to the CDC, teens have the lowest rate of seatbelt use of any other age group.
- Avoid night driving as much as possible. Unfamiliar, dark, or otherwise dangerous roads can produce hazards like animals crossing the road, pedestrians walking on the shoulder of the road, missed traffic signs, road debris, late-night construction, and other night-time hazards.
- Make sure your teen driver understands the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, and anything else that takes their attention away from the road.
- Encourage your teen to drive defensively, like being aware of other drivers and keeping an eye out for potential hazards on the road.
- Set a good example for your teen driver by following the rules of the road yourself. Obey speed limits, come to a complete stop at stop signs, and use your turn signal when changing lanes.
- Talk to your teen about responsible decision-making regarding drinking, substance abuse, and driving. Remind them that alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time and that it is never okay to get behind the wheel after drinking.
Contact a Caring Personal Injury Law Firm
Following these tips can give you peace of mind and help keep your child safe on the road this summer. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Florida automotive accident, contact the experienced accident attorneys at The Briggs Law Firm at (352) 671-4600, or schedule an appointment online.