Many teenage drivers look forward to the summer as a time of freedom and independence, but caution is necessary for those getting behind the wheel for the first time. BeSmartBeWell calls the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day the "100 Deadliest Days For Teens" due to the fact that teenagers die in more accidents during the summer than any other time. According to the website, preventing crashes comes down to both the teen and their parents working together for safety's sake.
The website hosts a number of videos where teens and their parents discuss how they approach driving. It's a good idea for parents to set up "rules of the road" for their teen. These can be restrictions like being back before a certain time, keeping a clean record with no speeding tickets or limiting the number of people in the car. This way, the child knows what's expected of them. Teens are more likely to drive safely if they know they could face consequences otherwise.
"Parents play a key role in preventing teen crashes. When asked whose opinions they listen to, teens most often said their parents," said Erin Sauber-Schatz of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Parents and teens also have a responsibility when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Driving behavior is one thing, but poorly-inflated tires or a car that hasn't had brake service in some time can be equally dangerous.