What are Important Teen Summer Driving Tips?

Inexperienced teen drivers are always at a higher risk for fatal car accidents, but summertime is statistically an even more fatal time of year. When school is out, teens have more friends riding in their car and later curfews. For drivers aged 15 to 20, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day produces the highest number of car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As with many other teen issues, setting rules and offering guidance is necessary. If you have a teen driver in the house, reviewing these summer driving tips together could help prevent an accident.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Today’s teens use cellphones as their primary means of communication, but phones have no place in the car. In many states, using a cellphone to call or text while driving is against the law. No driver, especially an inexperienced one, can afford to take their eyes off the road. Distracted driving comes in many forms, therefore, it is necessary to limit the number of passengers your teen is allowed to have in the vehicle. Remind them that loud music, eating, drinking, and putting on makeup are all forms of distracted driving.

Use Seat Belts

Teens need to buckle up, both as drivers and passengers. In many fatal crashes involving teenagers, failure to use seat belts is a factor and teens have the highest rate of non-compliance. Set a good example for your teen by always using your seat belt.

Take it Slow

Most teens are in a hurry, so remind them to plan their trips so that they have plenty of time to get to their destination without exceeding the speed limit. The majority of car accidents involve someone who was speeding. Teens also forget that in addition to getting a ticket, speeding leads to points added to their license and/or an insurance rate increase.

Check Driving Conditions

Be aware of when and where your teen will be driving and check the driving conditions. Night driving increases the risk of an accident, as does inclement weather, especially for inexperienced drivers. Also, if your child is upset or tired, they should postpone their trip.

Be Familiar with Driving Routes

If your teen is going on an outing with friends to an unfamiliar destination, offer to plot the route out and drive it together before they make their trip. Having made the trip prior means they will be more confident and relaxed because they are familiar with where they are going.

Drinking and Driving Do Not Mix

It is always worth repeating that drinking and driving are incompatible at any age, and consequences for drunk driving range from criminal convictions to severe injuries or fatalities when involved in an accident.

Edwardsville Car Wreck Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Advocate for Injured Victims of Negligent Drivers

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, the experienced Edwardsville car wreck lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC can help. Let us handle the legal issues, so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us today at 618-277-3644 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we represent victims in Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, Waterloo, St. Louis, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County.