As the summer months approach, a period known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teenage drivers is looming as well. This term refers to the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the rate of fatal crashes involving teenage drivers historically increases significantly.
This time is marked by vacations, celebrations and a high volume of young drivers on the roads. If you are the parent of a teen driver, it’s important to be aware of this heightened risk and to take proactive steps to better ensure your child’s safety.
What can you do to help?
Knowledge is power. Use it to your advantage as summer approaches. Discuss the importance of safe driving habits with your teen, focusing on obeying speed limits, defensive driving techniques and keeping a calm, focused approach at all times. Emphasize the dangers of distracted driving, especially texting while driving, which markedly increases the risk of accidents.
You may also want to consider implementing a driving agreement that outlines what is expected of your teen drivers and the consequences of failing to meet these expectations. Include rules against impaired driving, speeding and distracted driving. Be firm about the consequences of risky behaviors, such as losing driving privileges.
Keep in mind that teen drivers statistically engage in risky driving behaviors more often when they have peers in the car. Limit passengers when your teen is driving, or implement rules about who – specifically – can be in the car with them. This can reduce the potential for distractions and peer pressure to engage in unsafe driving.
Finally, consider that teens often mimic the driving behaviors of their parents. Demonstrate safe driving yourself by avoiding the use of your phone while driving, following traffic laws and wearing your seatbelt. Showing your commitment to safe driving – at all times, but especially during the warmer months – can encourage your teen to do the same.