What parents can do to keep teen drivers safe in summer

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Teen drivers, being inexperienced, can pose a danger to themselves and others on the roads of Michigan. This is especially true in the summer since teens tend to spend more time out when school is out. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety even said that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day constitutes the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers. Fatal car crashes involving teens go up an average of 15% during that time.

For this reason, AAA encourages parents to teach their teens about safe driving practices. First of all, teens should be able to check certain vehicle components, such as tire pressure. Under-inflated tires will increase the risk for a blowout. Before heading out, teens should plan their routes. Being lost raises the risk for inattentive driving.

Of course, teens should understand the dangers of drowsy, drugged and drunk driving. They should keep their friends from driving when impaired, too. Parents will want to highlight distracted driving as something to be avoided at all times. That includes all phone use while behind the wheel. However, teens may even find themselves being distracted by conversations in the car. This is why it’s best for teens to limit the number of passengers.

When there is a car accident, an injured victim may be left to deal with a diminished capacity to earn a living. In such a case, they may think about filing a personal injury claim. However, they might want to see a lawyer before going forward. Michigan, being a no-fault state, has restrictions on who can file a third-party insurance claim, but a lawyer can explain these details.

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