If you have a teen, the fact that the summer is approaching may not be thrilling to you. You know your teen just learned to drive and that he or she will want to go out and do more alone or with friends this summer. Independence is a part of growing up, but it’s a part that could put your child in danger.
The summer is an exciting time of year for teens and young drivers. They get to stretch their driving muscles, traveling on their own to wherever they want to go. The problem is that summer can be dangerous for these teens because they’re inexperienced and aren’t prepared for the hazards on the roads. Even with driving tests and hours behind the wheel, a teen is no match for an adult’s experience with driving.
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is what the American Automobile Association reports are 100 of the deadliest days of the year. This is primarily because of an increase in the number of teens dying from fatal crashes during that time period.
A 2016 report indicated that the previous five years resulted in at least 5,000 deaths in crashes with teen drivers. Teens are at a higher risk during this time because they’re more likely to be driving than in other months.
The primary concern for drivers during this period is the risk of distracted driving. Teens may use their phones or GPS systems without realizing the danger they’re putting themselves or others in.
Keep your teen safe by having a discussion about distractions now. It’s better to be strict than to get a call that there’s been a serious accident.
Source: Boston.com, “Why the summer is so dangerous for teen drivers,” Sanjay Salomon, accessed May 03, 2018