Question 1

What are the “100 Deadliest Days” for Teen Drivers? What Can Parents Do?

Accepted Answer

While summer brings a break from school for most teenagers, it also ushers in the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers between Memorial Day at the end of May and Labor Day at the start of September. Young drivers spend more time on the roads traveling to and from their jobs or visiting with friends. Because of their age and lack of experience, they are more prone to being involved in auto accidents.  Parents may be at a loss about how to prevent their children from experiencing or causing a crash, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a first step of using a Parent-Teenager Driving Agreement. Actions like this can open the lines of communication with teens to educate them about the responsibilities that come with a driver’s license.

Question 2

How Can Parents Keep Their Teens Safe During the 100 Deadliest Days?

Accepted Answer

Helping your teenager be a safe driver during the summer and all year round starts with modeling the good behavior you want them to practice. Set the example: buckle your seatbelt, don’t use your cellphone while driving, obey all laws, and don’t drink and drive. Parents can also talk with their teens about how to handle peer pressure from their friends. This can give them tools to stand up to someone who encourages them to break the law or be unsafe.  Keeping your teenager safe during the summer driving season is a lot like parenting them through any other part of their life. Get to know their friends and speak to them about how important it is for everyone to limit distractions while driving. Emphasize the safety rules and invite conversations about driving that their friends may not be having with their own parents. If your state requires third-party driving instruction, be sure to sign your teenager up for those classes. Learning with an instructor instead of a parent can often take the stress out of improving their skills.  It’s also important to develop a plan that you both agree to cover what to expect if they are in an accident or are stopped by the police. Help them understand what they should do and revisit the plan often, so it stays fresh in their minds in the event they need to use it. No one wants to see their child arrested for drunk driving or involved in a speeding accident, but it’s critical they know they can call on their parents to help them.

Question 3

What Should Parents Do if Their Teenage Driver Is in an Accident?

Accepted Answer

Even teenagers who usually follow all the rules and aren’t risk-takers could end up being involved in an accident. Although the chances of a teen driver causing a crash are slightly higher, it doesn’t mean they may not be the victim of someone else’s negligence. There are always other drivers with more experience who fail to follow the law or who drive recklessly.  When your teenager is involved in a car crash, the first thing to do is ensure they are safe and out of danger. Regardless of who is at fault, the next step should be to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you through filing insurance claims or litigating in the event of a court case. Staying calm and helping a young driver understand the process will show them the best way to handle similar situations in the future.

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