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.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
Quote

From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
Quote

It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
Quote

I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
Quote

Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
Quote

I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.