The official beginning of Summer is June 21st! Summer brings beautiful weather, trips to the beach, and vacations. While summer is usually a time for relaxation and fun, it also kicks off the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers!
The 100 deadliest days is a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the number of crash fatalities involving teen drivers historically rise. According to We Save Lives, an average of 260 teens are killed in car crashes each month during summer. That is a 26% increase compared to other months of the year.
So far this year in Washington, the Washington State Department of Transportation reports there have already been 326 vehicle collisions involving distracted teens; with 4 resulting in fatalities.
Although some vehicle collisions are accidents, most are preventable and a result of driver negligence. The Injury Attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno urge parents to prioritize safety for teen drivers and themselves. Review the driving safety tips below to help keep our roads safe for all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, no matter what season.
Put the Distractions Away
Approximately 60% of teen crashes today are caused by distracted driving. During summer months, distracted driving contributes to 9% of fatal teen car crashes. We already know from the WSDOT that there have been 4 distracted teen collisions resulting in fatalities.
To help limit the temptation to engage in distracting behaviors, drivers should have their directions set up, desired music playing, climate controls set, and cell phone put away prior to putting the car in drive.
All drivers, including teens, should also refrain from eating or drinking, applying makeup, and talking on the phone while driving.
Drive on the Defense
Defensive driving is known to saves lives and prevents the likelihood of a crash. Even if you are not a teen and driving appropriately, all drivers should be aware of their surrounding.
Never assume other drivers are sober, alert, and obey the rules of the road. Expecting other drivers to make mistakes will enhance your ability to proactively prevent an accident.
Obey Speed Limits
Speeding is another leading cause of fatal car crashes for teens. On a national scale, speeding killed 9,717 people in 2017, accounting for more than a quarter of traffic fatalities that year. When a driver chooses to speed, they are at risk for greater potential for loss of vehicle control, reduced effectiveness of protection features, and increased fuel cost.
Never Drink and Drive
If you or your teen have been drinking, never get behind the wheel of a car. Encourage your teens to contact you if they are in a potentially dangerous driving situation. Also encourage teens to say no to a ride with a driver who has been consuming alcohol or drugs.
If you are planning to attend a function that will be serving alcohol and you will be drinking, make other accommodations for travel. Uber, Lyft, taxis, shuttles, and limos are all options to help prevent impaired drivers on the road. Plus, they can be fun!
Make Summer Safer
Car accidents are rarely accidents. With an increased awareness on the road, you and your teen can prevent crashes before they happen. Make this summer as safe as possible by applying these four driving safety tips today!
Getting Legal Help!
If you or someone you know was injured in a vehicle collision, contact Althauser Rayan Abbarno for a free injury consultation in Centralia or Olympia at (360) 736-1301 or visit centralialaw.com.
For more than 70 years, Althauser Rayan Abbarno has been representing individuals and businesses in our community. Nominated best customer services in Lewis County, Althauser Rayan Abbarno delivers results for its clients and builds relationships.