Teen Driving During Summer Months

School's out, and that means more kids will be out on the roadways. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for 36% of all deaths in this age group (source). Inexperience, coupled with the many distractions available to teenagers these days, makes for a deadly combination behind the wheel. In fact, the deadliest months of the year for teenage motor vehicle fatalities are the summer months of June, July and August, followed by October. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, on July 4 an average of 28 teenagers die in car crashes every year. Weekends pose the greatest danger to teens, as approximately 54% of teenage motor vehicle crash deaths occur on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. 

Sadly, over 90% of teens admit to doing multiple tasks while driving, such as talking on the cell phone, eating, playing loud music, and interacting with friends in the car even when they admit they find it distracting. It's incredibly important to have conversations with your teenagers about the dangers of driving during these upcoming summer months. Simple rules like wearing a seatbelt, staying focused on the road, and never texting or talking on the phone while driving can save lives.

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