Are you the parent of an older teenager? If so, you can probably notice their excitement when summer break comes around. Summer brings freedom because they don’t have to worry about school for a while. It’s also a fun time to enjoy the sunshine. However, at the top of your teenager’s priority list is most likely the exciting privilege of getting behind the wheel.
As you hand over the car keys to your teenager, it’s crucial to remind them that their long-awaited independence comes with a responsibility to stay safe on the road. Did you know that teenagers are statistically more likely to be involved in car accidents than adults? What’s scarier is that summer sees a spike in these collisions. By familiarizing yourself with the top three culprits behind teen car accidents during the summer months, you can educate your teen to help ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time away from school.
The need for speed
Texas has long highways, and clear summer weather can create an illusion of empty roads. This may tempt teens to push the pedal. Speeding significantly increases the risk of teen crashes because it compromises their reaction time. Therefore, you should make an effort to set clear expectations about the speed limits you expect your teen to be driving when they’re out with the car without your supervision.
Social media opportunities
If your teenager has friends that live around, they will likely spend their summer rides with passengers in the car. Having friends in the car can easily turn into arguments about who should capture the moment for social media. Such heated conversations can easily take your teen’s attention off the road long enough to cause an accident. Distracted driving is a serious threat, especially for your teenager who is still developing their behind-the-wheel skills.
Impaired driving
The thought of your teenager getting behind the wheel while impaired probably sends shivers down your spine. Impaired driving is dangerous enough for adult drivers, let alone your teenage driver who barely has experience behind the wheel. You can mitigate the risk of impaired driving by talking openly with your teens about the dangers of impaired driving and establishing clear rules about alcohol consumption and car use.
Speaking to your teenager about their risk of getting in car accidents during summer can better prepare them for a safe and enjoyable season. However, it’s important to remember that teenagers aren’t the only ones that cause accidents. Should your teenager get involved in an accident through no fault of their own, you can benefit from personalized legal feedback.
