AAA Emphasizes Parental Involvement for Teen Driver Safety During the Summer

A young woman with blonde hair is sitting in the driver's seat of a car, wearing a seatbelt. She is holding a smartphone in her right hand and looking at the screen, appearing to be focused on her phone.

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and making memories, but for teen drivers, it can also be a dangerous period known as the "100 Deadliest Days." With the risks teens face on the road, this is a great time for parents to help promote teen driver safety.

According to AAA, nearly half of all teen driver-related traffic fatalities happen during this time, which spans from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In 2022 alone, 707 people lost their lives nationwide in car accidents involving young drivers during this 100-day period. In Florida, nearly 20,000 crashes involving teenagers and 83 deaths occurred during this period in 2003.

What are the leading risks to teen driver safety?

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of car accidents among teen drivers during the summer months. This includes:

Distracted driving: Teens are more likely to use their cell phones or other devices while driving. Plus, passengers in the car and other in-vehicle activities can divert teen drivers' attention from the road.
Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of car accidents.
Not wearing a seatbelt: Teens may neglect to wear seatbelts, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death in a crash.
Increased free time: With school out, teens have more free time and may engage in risky behaviors such as aggressive driving or joyriding.

How can teens stay safe on the road?

Teen drivers should prioritize safety and avoid distractions while driving to reduce the risk of accidents. This means:

Putting the cell phone away while driving.
Following posted speed limits.
Always wear a seatbelt.
Maintain a safe following distance.
Staying aware of other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards.
Never driving under the influence.
Limiting the number of passengers in a car.

What role do parents play in teen driver safety?

Parents play an important role in promoting safe driving habits among their teenage children. Rachel Wilson, AAA's Director of Driver Education Programs, stresses the importance of parental involvement, stating, "The single most important thing parents can do to help their teens become safe drivers is to be involved in their ‘learning to drive’ process."

This involvement can include:

Spending time coaching your teen behind the wheel.
Having serious discussions about safe driving practices.
Practicing safe driving habits yourself.
Setting clear rules and consequences for dangerous behaviors.

In addition to parental guidance, seeking professional training courses can be beneficial for teen driver safety. "While parents can be great teachers, it also helps to seek out professional training courses, like those provided by AAA," Wilson adds. These courses can provide teens with valuable skills and knowledge to help them navigate the challenges of driving safely.

Injured in a car accident? Protect your rights

Teen drivers may be at a higher risk of crashes in the summer, but people of all ages and driving experience can get into an accident. If you or a loved one was injured in a Central Florida car accident, it's important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. The Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

Our law firm has served crash victims for over 30 years in Tavares, The Villages, Inverness, Clermont, and surrounding communities. We have in-depth knowledge of the state and local legal system and are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes. Don't let the aftermath of a serious car accident overwhelm you. Contact us online or call us today for a free initial consultation.