Some Summer Safety Driving Tips That Teenagers Must Be Aware Of

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States. Despite the fact that the specific age group drives less than all but the oldest people, the numbers tell a different story; the number of crashes and the resulting deaths among teenagers are disproportionately high.

To make matters worse, teenagers face a greater likelihood of suffering severe injuries or getting killed in vehicle crashes during the summer season. Since this time of the year is known for school breaks, teenagers have more time in their hands to go out and plan road trips with friends. With some parents being lax in supervising their teenage sons and daughters when the school is out, the chances of road accidents involving the said age group increase. 

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that a total of 3,023 teenagers within the 13-19 age range died in motor vehicle crashes in 2011. Although the said figure was a slight decrease from the previous year (3,121, 2010), the 2011 statistics accounted for 10 percent of the total vehicle crash fatalities, which stood at 32,367. In addition, more teens died in the summer months—July and August—than any other months in 2011.

For teenagers to avoid becoming a statistic, a Los Angeles accident attorney advises parents of teenagers to be responsible enough to supervise their sons and daughters during the summer season, especially in the aspect of driving. Here are some summer driving tips for teenagers:

·     Always use the seatbelt. Teenagers tend to wear seatbelts less than any other age group. Moreover, majority of them who died in vehicle crash were found to be unbelted. It is important, therefore, for parents to set a good example by buckling themselves up, ensuring that their teenage sons and daughters would do the same.

·     Avoid alcohol once and for all. It’s already established that alcohol impairs driving. However, teenagers are known to have a greater risk of death in vehicle crashes if they put alcohol into their system. Sadly, some teenagers have been drinking well below the age of consent. Parents must make sure their teens are comfortable calling home if they can’t drive, especially if they are at a party or someplace else.

·     Put down the cell phone while driving. Distracted driving is also one of the major factors as to why teenage driving accidents and deaths happen. Combining the use of cell phone, specifically, with inexperience in driving can result in a fatal crash. Parents must be able to share to their teen the dangers of using the mobile phone while behind the wheel, as well as other activities that are considered a form of distracted driving.


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