Teen Drivers and the '100 Deadliest Days' of Summer
The leading cause of death for teens in the age group of 15-18 in the United States is car accidents. This is why it is so important to have a conversation with your teen driver about the rules and responsibilities involved with driving.
There are many dangers teens will encounter when behind the wheel. These dangers can include distracted driving from such things as too many passengers and cell phones, driving while under the influence, inconsistent or no seatbelt use, and speeding.
The reminders listed below address some very important issues you can discuss with your teen to help keep them safe during the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ of summer.
Important Driving Tips for Teens:
Here are some easy reminders to give your teen for the next time they get behind the wheel:
- Driving is a Privilege: Remind your teen that driving is a privilege, not a right. If they do not follow the rules of the road, then they cannot drive. You could save their life with this conversation.
- Cell Phones: Talk to your teen about safe cell phone use while in the car. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous and distracting. Distracted driving is responsible for more than 58% of teen crashes. Ensure your teen knows ways to avoid distracted driving like designating a texter or pulling over before answering phone calls or responding to text messages.
- Passenger Restrictions: Make sure your teen knows your state’s nighttime driving restrictions and passenger restrictions. Too many people in the car can be extremely distracting to your young teen.
- Speeding: Talk to your teens about speeding. In 2018, more than one-quarter of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time. Speeding can be especially dangerous for novice drivers who lack the experience to react to changing circumstances around their car. Speeding puts your teen’s life and other drivers’ lives at risk.
- Seatbelts: Emphasize the importance of seatbelts. You can start doing this by setting the example for your teen and buckling up every time you get into a car. Seat belts save lives.
- Continue the Conversation: Engage in safe driving conversations year-round and regularly. You can do this not only through conversation, but through texts and notes left reminding them to drive safe.
- Drunk Driving & Drugs: In 2018, 16% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had alcohol in their system. Marijuana also impairs drivers, affecting reaction time. Remind your teen that driving under the influence can have deadly consequences. Teens must understand this so they do not put lives at risk. Ensuring your teen that you will always give them a ride if they need it is a safe way to keep them from driving under the influence.
We Care About Your Teen Drivers
The most common kind of accident for teen drivers involves only a single vehicle – their own. Excessive speed, driver distraction, alcohol use, and lack of seat-belt use all contribute to fatal accidents. One of the ways to combat the high accident rate of teen drivers is to communicate and instill good driving practices.
Free Parent-Teen Driving Agreement
Many parents and young drivers sign a “Parent‐Teen Driving Agreement,” wherein the teenager promises to drive safely and obey all traffic laws and regulations. These agreements are valuable for reminding first‐time drivers that driving brings with it a set of responsibilities that must be followed. The Serpe Firm cares about your family and wants you and your teenage driver to stay safe on the road. [Click here to download your free copy]
Virginia Car Accident Lawyers
If your teen was hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver, contact our Virginia car accident lawyers for legal help. Our Virginia personal injury lawyers have one goal– to seek justice and earn the very best outcome for clients in the most trying days of their lives.
After an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your injuries, the insurance company, the at-fault party, and the legal system are a lot for anyone to face. So, when going it alone isn’t an option, we’re here to help. When you need an advocate, we are just one phone call away. Call or text (877) 544-5323 for a free consultation.