Do you know when they are?
You know the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the time most of us refer to as the summertime? Not only is this period recognized as a time when kids of all ages are out of school, but it has also been labeled as the 100 Deadliest Days, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. During this time, we tend to see an increase in the number of traffic fatalities, specifically those involving inexperienced teen drivers.
The AAA highlighted that “the number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers during the summer is an important traffic safety concern and research shows that young drivers are at greater risk and have higher crash rates compared to older and more experienced drivers.” In 2016, more than 1,050 people were killed in crashes involving a teen during this deadly time of year, which averages to about 10 people per day. To help prevent a teen from engaging in an accident during the 100 Deadliest Days or any other time of year, parents are encouraged to spend some time with their teens and educate them on what constitutes as “risky driving behavior” as well as why it should be avoided at all costs.
How can you protect your teen driver during the 100 Deadliest Days?
Some things a parent can do if they have a teen driver include:
- Review with their teen(s) what would be considered risky behavior while behind the wheel.
Speeding, texting, and engaging in conversation with passengers are only some of the things you will want to encourage your teen to refrain from doing. You can also click here to familiarize yourself on some of the risks involved with driving and how you can reduce them. Distracted driving is one type of behavior that has become a major concern for all drivers, especially those who are new to driving as it dramatically increases the chances of an accident occurring. The AAA says that “many teens admit to cell phone use and texting behind the wheel despite clear dangers,” so be sure to discuss with your teen the true danger they place themselves in when they make the decision to engage in distracted behavior.
- Be the role model your teen needs.
If you don’t want your teen texting or talking on the phone while driving, veering into lanes without signaling, or riding too close to the car in front of you, refrain from engaging in this behavior yourself. Parents are role models for their teen and should always be the example they want their teen to follow.
- Consider creating a “parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.”
The AAA recommends that you set “driving limits that are stronger than state law and enforce those limits.” If you would like help with creating a parent-teen driving agreement, the AAA offers a template you can use to do this. Some of the things that are addressed in the parent-teen driving agreement include:
- Unsupervised driving privileges such as the time of day your teen is permitted to drive on their own.
- Driving rules
- Consequences for when these rules are violated.
- Utilize the online tools/resources the AAA has made available to parents of teen drivers.
Some of these include:
- The interactive widget that “highlights teen driving risks as well as a social host quiz.”
- The AAA StartSmart Program that “offers great resources for parents on how to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage their teen’s overall driving privileges.”
With driving becoming more and more dangerous, it is essential for drivers of all ages to practice safe driving.
What should a parent do in the event of an accident?
If your teen has been involved in an accident in Iowa City, IA and you are in search of answers to some of the legal questions you have, you are encouraged to contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. to speak with an IA car accident lawyer. You may be wondering what your teen’s rights are, what steps you should be taking as their parent, and how much their injuries and/or property damage is worth. Our skilled car crash lawyers will not only be able to answer these questions and those you may have, but we can provide you with the legal representation you may need given you are not successful at recovering the compensation your teen should receive.
You can reach Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. at:
1921 51st Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 393-1020
Fax: (319) 393-4000
Website: www.eellsandtronvold.com
