Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a deadly time for teen drivers. In fact, the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest days of the year for teenage drivers. Statistics show that the number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers increases during the summer months. Many factors contribute to this increased risk, such as more distractions on the road and greater exposure to risky behaviors. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the dangers teen drivers face during the summer and provide essential safety tips to keep them safe behind the wheel.
100 Deadly Days of Summer: Teen Drivers at Risk
What Makes The 100 Deadly Days of Summer so Dangerous?
The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer is known as the unofficial start of summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are a number of factors that contribute to the increased risks during the 100 Deadliest Days.
One is the fact that there are more cars on the road. With families taking vacations and teens out of school, there is simply more traffic on the roads. This means that there are more opportunities for accidents to happen.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the second leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. With that being the grave reality, it's essential to understand what other contributing factors lead to teen driver's deaths during this dangerous time.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving plays a significant role in the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020. This can include anything from texting and talking on the phone to fiddling with the radio or eating behind the wheel.
Drunk Driving
With celebrations, barbecues, and outdoor activities, the summer months cause an increase of impaired drivers on the road, which lead to more fatalities, especially for teen drivers.
Inexperienced Drivers
Teen drivers are simply less experienced than older drivers, and this lack of experience can lead to mistakes on the road.
Safety Tips For Teen Drivers
So how can you keep your loved ones safe during the 101 deadliest days of summer? Here are some tips:
Talk to your teens about the dangers of distracted driving and make sure they know not to text or use their phones while behind the wheel.
If your teen is inexperienced, consider having them take a defensive driving course or practice with you in an empty parking lot.
Remind your teens to obey the speed limit and never to drive recklessly.
If you're going to drink alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver or take a taxi or an Uber.
Encourage your teen to drive only during the daytime. Driving at night poses a risk of an accident due to limited visibility.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your loved ones safe during the 101 deadliest days of summer. Drive safe!
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