Summertime is a favorite time of year for teenagers, freed from the shackles of schoolwork and ready to face countless adventures as the open road stretches out before them. Whether striking out on road trips or simply commuting to and from summer jobs, the warmer months are a busy time for teen drivers. Of course, more teens driving more frequently also means that this time of year also sees a rise in accidents and dangerous driving habits from teens as well. Young drivers should be aware of the risks, and know how to avoid bad behavior behind the wheel so everyone stays safe.
Summertime is danger time
As teens take to the road in the summer, the potential for accident and injury shoots up as well. As Edmunds reported, 27 percent of the almost 3,000 teen traffic fatalities that took place in 2012 occurred between June and August. Not surprisingly, the greater number of teens on the road means that the potential for injury is higher, especially considering that summer driving tends to be more casual and less regimented than does driving during the school year, Edmunds indicated. Youngsters are also far more likely to be out at night during the summer, meaning that the conditions under which they drive can be more dangerous than they would be on their trek to school in the morning.
Staying safe
Of course, none of this need put a damper on your summer road trip plans. By nipping a few problem behaviors in the bud you can preemptively help ensure a much safer summer season.
One of the main culprits when it comes to dangers behind the wheel is distracted driving. Teens and cellphones go together like macaroni and cheese, but drivers will need to make a habit of pocketing their phones while behind the wheel for safety's sake. Even hands-free car extensions can cause divided attention, which is just as dangerous.
It's not just what teens do that puts them at risk, but what they don't do – namely, buckling up. In fact, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that half of 2011's teen traffic casualties were not buckled up. Even more alarming, if teen drivers don't buckle in, their passengers are less likely to do so as well.
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