For most teens and their parents, summer means a time to relax and recharge. To AAA, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend is known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. During this time, teen driving incidents tend to spike. Teens are often driving more to hang out with friends or get to their part-time jobs. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation notes more than 32,000 people have been involved in a car accident caused by a 16- or 17-year-old driver between 2013 and 2017.
More than 89 percent of teenagers can anticipate being in an accident within their first few years behind the wheel. Concerned parents do not need to hide the car keys from their teen kids who will soon be adults. They should use the summer as a time to help teens improve their driving skills and educate them on the dangers of speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.
Speeding
Excessive speed is the number one reason for car accidents during the 100 Deadliest Days. Teens should learn to follow the posted speed limit signs and adjust their driving skills when conditions are not optimal. For instance, when driving in a 35 mile-per-hour zone during a rainstorm, they should understand that it makes sense to slow down and put on their emergency flashers.
Distracted Driving
Parents may assume that their teens have heard all they need to know about texting and driving, but they should still focus on this primary cause of accidents. To emphasize, they should police themselves by not picking up their phones when they operate a motor vehicle. Conversations with others in the car is another form of distracted driving that primarily affects teenagers. For this reason, teen drivers should be wary of driving other teens around until they become accustomed to blocking out discussions and noise.
Driving Under the Influence
Teens cannot legally drink alcohol or use street drugs. Unfortunately, many will experiment and then get into the driver’s seat. Parents should teach their teens that drinking and drug use is wrong and can be fatal when combined with the operation of a car. Many families have pledges that teens sign to promise they will call for a ride instead of making dangerous decisions, such as trying to drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
West Chester Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Provide Representation for Victims of Teen Driving Accidents
If you were injured in a teen driving collision, please call the West Chester personal injury lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today. Call us today at 610-565-3701 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we represent clients throughout Chester County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County.