Posted on Monday, May 8th, 2017 at 12:09 am
The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are called the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers. During 2016, an average of 10 individuals was killed each day in traffic accidents involving teen drivers. The number of traffic deaths during this period is 14 percent higher than the rest of the year. As we begin the 100 Deadliest Days, it is important for parents to review safe driving behaviors with their teen drivers and take steps to reduce the risk of their teen driver being involved in a traffic accident.
Review of Safe Driving Behaviors for Teen Drivers
Some topics that parents may need to review with their teen drivers before summer begins include:
Distracted Driving
Teen drivers are easily distracted by cell phones, passengers, eating, grooming, and number other distractions. Parents should review the dangers of distracted driving, common types of distractions, and how to avoid distractions while driving. AAA has several distracted driving videos that parents may want to watch with their teen drivers and discuss the information in the videos.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are extremely dangerous driving behaviors. In addition to receiving a traffic ticket with a large fine, a teen driver can cause a serious traffic accident. Parents may want to explain how speed increases the risk of traumatic injuries and deaths.
Driving Under the Influence
Teenagers are under an immense amount of pressure to fit in with their peers. In some cases, this pressure might include drinking. On average, 30 people die in DUI-related accidents each day in the United States. Parents can use the information provided by the NHTSA on its website to begin a conversation about drunk driving with their teen drivers. In addition to discussing the risk of a drunk driving accident, parents should also review the criminal penalties for a DUI.
Driving at Night and on Interstates
Driving at night and on busy roads, such as interstates, can increase the risk of teen driving accidents. Teen drivers typically do not have enough experience driving at night or in extremely busy traffic at higher rates of speed. The lack of experience can result in a traffic accident.
What Can Parents Do to Decrease the Risk of Teen Driving Accidents?
Each parent must decide how he or she wants to approach the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers. Some suggestions that parents might find helpful include:
- Using apps that cut cell phones off when the teenager is driving. Teenagers under the age of 18 years cannot use any electronic device while driving, including a hands-free device.
- Limit the number of passengers who may ride in the vehicle at any given time. Limiting passenger also limits distractions.
- Limit nighttime driving and driving on interstates. Practice driving under various situations and conditions to help your teen driver to gain more experience.
- Driving apps can monitor a vehicle’s speed and other movements. A parent can monitor how fast the teenager is driving to determine if the parent needs to act to prevent continued risky driving behaviors.
- Make sure that teenagers know they can call for a ride without any questions. Even if your teenager does not drink, he or she may be in a situation in which another person has been drinking. Your teenager needs to know you are a safety net.
Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
If your teenager is injured in an accident, please call The Tiemann Law Firm for a free consultation at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.
