Tell Me More, Tell Me More … Like Do You Have a Car?

School is out for summer and the sunshine is plentiful.  This time of year sees an increased number of teenage drivers on the road.  As fun as these times are in their lives, they are also very dangerous. 

The American Automobile Association accurately calls this time of year the “100 deadliest days of summer” for teen drivers.  This refers to the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  While car crashes this time of year increase for all age brackets, the average number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers is 17% higher per day compared with other days of the year.  During this time period, 10 people die daily from a crash involving a teen driver in the United States.

While these are very scary statistics, there are ways you can help protect your teen driver this summer.  Parents should have an open dialogue with their teens about traffic safety.  Hold them accountable to develop their behavior on the road.  It is vital to sit down with them to have a conversation regarding safe driving before handing over the keys.

Here are six great tips to keep your teen safe:

1. Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt is a simple task, but it is also the most effective way staying safe behind the wheel.  The odds of surviving a car crash increase by 45% when everyone is buckled up.
2. Limit the number of friends in one vehicle.  Their vehicle is not a party bus.  Too many passengers can lead to distracted driving and unsafe behaviors.  Wisconsin law limits newly licensed teenage drivers to only one passenger other than immediate family or a qualified adult.
3. Keep eyes on the road.  Distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents among teenage drivers.  The use of cellphones and texting is the contributing factor in one in five crashes.  Remind your teen driver to refrain from using a cellphone until they reach their destination.
4. Set a curfew at night.  Staying out late leads to drowsy and inattentive driving.  This often times leads to accidents.  Have your teen return home safely at a reasonable hour.  Wisconsin law states that newly licensed teenage drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., unless traveling between home and school or work. 
5. Don’t drink and drive. Whether a driver is experienced or inexperienced, alcohol and driving do not mix.  Make sure your teen feels comfortable calling home for a ride if they find themselves in a position where they are not able to drive.
6. Lead by example.  When you drive, it is likely your teenager is watching what you do.  Remember that parents or guardians are the best role models for their children.

Hupy and Abraham is committed to preventing teen automobile accidents. To help remind your teen driver, and others, to be safe behind the wheel, get them a free DNT TXT N DRV bumper sticker HERE.

In the event that you or your teenage driver is injured in an automobile accident, contact Hupy and Abraham right away to schedule a free consultation. Call 800-800-5678, or start a live chat with us anytime at Hupy.com.