If you’re the parent of a teen driver, chances are good that you’ve had your share of worries when your child heads out the door, car keys in hand. While inexperienced drivers face their share of risks on every trip, you may be surprised to learn that we are in the midst of the deadliest time of year for teenage drivers.
Dubbed the “100 deadliest days of summer,” the span of days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day poses more danger to young drivers than other times of the year. Read on to learn more about how to keep your sons and daughters safer on the roads this summer.
What are the risks?
The president of AAA blames the following for more teens getting hurt and killed in traffic accidents:
- Driving too fast – Having a lead foot with the pedal to the metal increases the odds of a fatal collision.
- Distracted driving – Limiting the number of friends in the car while your teen is behind the wheel and insisting they keep their eyes on the road ahead, their minds on the task at hand and their hands on the steering wheel can help them to stay safer.
- Night driving – Despite their freshly issued Georgia driver’s license, your teen may have few hours clocked while driving after dark. As adults already realize, night driving can be far more complex and difficult than tooling around town during the day.
Weather conditions can also make teen drivers less safe. If you are a parent, you may want to restrict their driving during inclement weather or after daylight hours.
If an accident occurs
Even responsible drivers can get into accidents, often through no fault of their own. If your teen is injured in an accident caused by an at-fault driver, you can ensure they get the proper medical care. You may also need to advocate for them by filing a claim for damages on their behalf.