- Ann Sheeley
Keeping Teens Safe During the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”
Updated: May 5
Finally, summer has arrived! As we celebrate the warm weather and make fun plans, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers that lie ahead, especially for teens. The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are frighteningly known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” for teenagers in the U.S. According to We Save Lives Highway Advocates, over 250 teens die in car accidents each month during the summer, which is a much higher rate (26%) than teen fatalities in other months of the year.
Sheeley Law is committed to educating our community. Please continue reading for ways you can be a role model to your teens to keep them - and other drivers - safe on the road.
You can help drive home the dangers of teenage reckless driving by sharing the following statistics:
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for 16–19-year-olds behind gun violence, and teens have the highest crash rate of any age group.
Each summer, nearly 700 teenagers die in fatal car accidents. Statistics show accidents spike when school’s not in session and teens have more free time to spend with friends.
60% of accidents are caused by distracted driving. The top distraction is actually other passengers but certainly speeding, cellphones, social media, the radio and other risky behaviors are responsible for causing too many teen accidents.
Drinking and driving is another obvious leading cause of teenage deaths on the road during the summer months. These statistics continue to climb every year.
It’s not only teens that are more likely to die in car crashes; they are also a leading cause of death to others on the road, including their passengers, pedestrians and drivers/occupants in vehicles sharing the road. Therefore, we all have a vested interest in ensuring that our teenage children are extra vigilant behind the wheel.
Parents and teenagers can reduce the risk of getting into a fatal summertime accident by following these important safety tips:
Set passenger limits with your teens – the probability of an accident multiplies when more people are in a vehicle. No more than four people, including the driver, should be in your teen’s car at one time.
Fasten Seatbelts – remind your teen each and every time they get behind the wheel that they must buckle up. It’s the law!
Limit nighttime driving – It’s no surprise that many of the accidents that occur happen at night due to limited visibility, exhaustion from a long day and impaired drivers on the road. This is an especially risky time for teens. Set reasonable curfews with your teens on when they need to have the car home, safe and sound.
Obey the speed limits - Teens must follow posted speed limits and parents should set a good example by doing the same. This is doubly important for novice drivers. Teenagers who just received their license are three times as likely to be involved in a fatal accident due to their lack of experience and maturity.
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE – we can’t state this enough. In addition to putting themselves - and others - at a significant risk for injury and death, a conviction for DUI will dramatically affect your teen’s life. One bad decision can put ruin their chances for a college education, make it difficult to get a job, obtain car insurance and cost them thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees. It’s up to you to enforce strict zero tolerance rules with your teen and be a good role model.
In Summary...
We want you and your family to have fun this summer, but more importantly, stay safe. Accidents can happen to anyone, but if you and your teens follow these safety tips, we can all help reduce the risks significantly. Always remember, Sheeley Law is here for you if you need an experienced Rhode Island Personal Injury or Criminal Defense Attorney. For more information and a free consultation, contact Attorney Ann Sheeley at 401-619-5555 or asheeley@sheeleylaw.com.
[1] https://wesavelives.org/100-deadliest-days-of-summer/