Summer is just around the corner, which means freedom and independence for teenagers, especially those with a driver’s license. Relaxed curfews, summer jobs and more free time means more teen drivers will be on the road.
According to the National Highway Safety Council, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the deadliest for drivers ages 16-20. Our team of personal injury attorneys at Dale E. Anstine encourage parents and guardians of teenage drivers – and the drivers themselves – to get educated on the causes of accidents for teenage drivers and how to stay safe on the roads this summer.
Distracted Driving
Did you know…
- Texting while driving increases your chances of an accident by 23 times
- One in three teens admit they text and drive (a staggering statistic)
- Plus, inexperienced drivers have a higher risk of accidents
Combining inexperienced driving with texting is a recipe for an accident!
We cannot stress enough for teen drivers – and ALL drivers – to put their phone in the glove compartment or other area that is out of reach to avoid being tempted by a call, text or social media post.
Texting and phone use is not the only cause of distracted driving. Other causes include eating, grooming, talking to passengers and/or adjusting music volume or other car electronics, just to name a few. Bottom line? Eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, always.
Remember, distracted driving is almost always preventable. So take the pledge to not be a distracted driver!
Just Say No
While teenage drinking may be on the decline since the late 1990s, it is still of concern and should not be ignored. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are more likely than any other age group to be killed in an alcohol-related crash.
In 2016, almost one out of five teen traffic deaths involved alcohol. Driving while impaired is never a good idea – talk to your teenage driver today about the consequences and have them call you, or another trusted adult, if they are impaired. Also, as a responsible adult, never provide alcohol to teens, even if you feel you are providing a safe environment for them to consume it. It’s against the law and can result in severe consequences!
Buckle Up Every Time
According to the National Safety Council, seat belt use is the lowest among teen drivers, yet seat belts are one of the safest choices that drivers and passengers can make! Remind your teens seat belts are required by law, and they are one of the most effective ways to prevent injury and death in case of an accident. Set an example for your teen too – always buckle up when you are a driver or a passenger. Seat belts save lives!
Yes, summer is fun. But it only takes a second for your life to change forever. Remember to practice safe driving to help reduce the number of auto accidents. While we hope you never need us, if you or a loved one are injured, whether due to an accident or a personal injury caused by other means, reach out immediately for medical help, and get an experienced accident attorney on your side to protect your rights. Reach out to Dale E. Anstine today to learn more. With offices in York and Gettysburg, our team is proud to protect the injured across the Central Pennsylvania community. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win for you.