Summer is once again upon us, and teenagers all over the state are chafing at the bit to get in some driving time. But this period carries with it an enhanced risk of teens getting killed in auto accidents.
Dubbed the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” the name stems from the approximate 100-day period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day when more than 30% of deaths occur for teen drivers nationwide.
What makes these months so dangerous?
With school out for the summer, teens have lots of free time on their hands. Those with newly issued Connecticut driver’s licenses naturally want to cruise around with friends. It’s also a time of summer celebrations, picnics, barbecues and trips to the shore.
Even teenagers who work summer jobs are on the roads more, traveling to and from their homes and workplaces. That puts a lot of inexperienced drivers on the roads at the same time.
Other deadly factors
Far too many underage young people consume alcohol. Even worse, some underage drivers drink and still climb behind the wheel for the drunken drive back home. That’s a recipe for highway carnage that can ensnare innocent motorists and passengers in a death trap.
What parents can do
Communicate with your teens. Let them know that you are always only a phone call away should they find themselves having to ride with an impaired driver or even become intoxicated themselves. Parents have more influence over their children’s lives than they realize.
Should your teen get injured in a crash this summer, you may need to intervene on their behalf to protect their legal right to financial recovery from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
