It’s begun: the “100 Deadliest Days” of the year for teen drivers is upon us. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, an average of 399 teens will die each month, according to statistics reported by AAA. The rest of the year averages more than 50 fewer deaths monthly. That’s an average of 16 teens killed in car crashes every single day all summer long.
Summer starts with proms and graduations, then opens up for beach trips, mountain escapes and spontaneous road trips. According to AAA, the seven most dangerous days on the road for teens during summer are May 20, May 23, June 10, July 4, July 9, Aug. 8 and Aug. 14.
What can parents do to keep their teens safe?
To keep teens safe during these dangerous months and year round, AAA Insurance suggests the following tips for parents:
- Eliminate trips without purpose.
- Limit passengers. Fatal crash rates for 16- to 19-year-olds increase fivefold when two or more teen passengers are present versus when teens drive alone.
- Restrict night driving. A teen driver’s chances of being involved in a deadly crash doubles at night.
- Establish a parent-teen driving agreement. Written agreements help set and enforce clear rules about night driving, passengers, access to the car, and more.
- Enroll teens in summer driving school. If your teen earned their license within the past year, a refresher in defensive driving could help save their life.
- Be there. Make sure your teen knows that if they need help, advice or a ride, they can call you at any time. Extend this offer often and let your teen know that you are always available, and that they will not be judged or punished should they need your help.
MADD also suggests:
- Talk about alcohol. Talk with your teens about not drinking alcohol until they are 21 and never get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
- Buckle up. Insist on seat belts at all times and in all seating positions. Low seat belt use is one of the primary reasons that teen driver and passenger fatality and injury rates remain high.
