With the summer being just around the corner, more teens will be out in California to enjoy their free time. This includes the roads as kids drive to the beach, concerts and other events. Unfortunately, summer is not only the most fun time of year, but it’s also the most deadly for teens.
Why is summer so dangerous for teens?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls the period of time from Memorial Day through Labor Day the “100 deadliest days of summer” in relation to teen drivers. Teens are behind the wheel and on the road more often during this period.
According to the NHTSA, during the 100 deadliest days of summer, more teens are killed in car crashes than at any other time. They’re more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as texting while driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and ignoring the rules of the road.
Teens also have a habit of driving with their friends as passengers, which increases the risk of distraction even further. There is also a group mentality that can cause younger drivers to take more risks that can lead to deadly accidents.
How can you keep your teen safer?
Always instill responsibility in your teen so that they adopt safe driving habits. Stress how they can keep themselves and their friends safe. Explain to them the serious risks of distracted driving, driving under the influence and reckless driving.
Make sure you set rules for your teen for driving. For example, you might want to limit their driving time to daytime. If they break a rule, you can confiscate their cell phone for a week.
You might want to install an app on your teen’s phone that can alert them to any unsafe situations while they’re driving. Some disable texts and notifications over a certain speed.
Your child doesn’t have to be involved in an accident this summer. Help them build safe habits early so they can drive smarter.