Summer break is a long-awaited vacation where children relax and enjoy themselves. However, it is time for teen drivers to try their new driving skills. Teen driving during the summer vacation can be dangerous. Indeed, this occurrence is so widespread throughout the nation that it has been named “The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.”.
As a parent, you should know what dangers the summer break brings, especially if you have kids who have recently turned the legal age of driving. You can help your teen driver be safe on the road and get home securely by establishing a few rules. If your child was met with an accident caused by another party, contact a car accident lawyer today.
What does “The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer” mean?
The 100 Deadliest Days is a term coined by the American Automobile Associated (AAA) referring to the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. According to reports, teens are 25% more likely to get into fatal crashes during this period. This is especially alarming because car accidents are the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 16 and 19.
Teenagers are new and inexperienced drivers, so it is not surprising that they are more likely to get into an accident. Even teenagers with new licenses are 1.5 times more prone to being involved in a collision compared to other teenage drivers. Studies show that teens are more vulnerable to accidents than people over the age of 20.
So you see, teens are already trouble for the roads, and when paired with the freedom of summer vacation, things can get even more problematic.
What are the common causes of negligence during summer break?
Here are some common causes of negligence in teenagers:
- They often drive with their friends and pay attention to them instead of the road.
- They are more likely to be distracted by loud music inside the vehicle and their smartphones.
- Teens have a slower reaction time but are more prone to risk-taking behavior, which can be a deadly combination.
- They have less experience judging dangerous situations and knowing what to do in one.
- Parents of teens do not supervise their driving and establish strict rules.
- Teens are more likely to participate in reckless behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, overtaking, and running red lights.
- Teenagers are impatient and often go fast to reach their destination.
Communicating with your teenager about the importance of safety on the road and educating them about the dangers of disobeying rules is the first step.