Teen Driving Accidents on The Rise During Summer

September 02, 2011

Teen Driving Accidents on The Rise During Summer

More crashes involving teenage drivers occur in the summer months of June, July and August. In the state of Maryland, from 2005 through 2009, more crashes with injury occurred during June than any other month. June also took third place for the number of car wrecks with 16-20 year-old drivers.

This doesn't necessarily mean teenagers are more careless drivers during the summer months. With school out and more free time, younger people spend more of their time on the road driving. There are, however, several tips teenage drivers can follow to help them stay safe this summer while on the road.

Safety Tips for Teen Drivers

First, obey all of the laws of the road. This includes obeying the speed limit, wearing a seat belt, requiring all passengers to wear a seat belt, and following basic traffic rules such as signaling when switching lanes or turning.

Second, don't do anything else while driving but drive, and avoid all distractions while behind the wheel. This includes avoiding the cell phone and texting, as well as other things such as eating, grooming, and changing a CD or the radio station.

Third, don't allow others in the car to distract you from driving. In fact, it's a good idea to limit the number of people in the car when you're a new driver. It's easy to lose focus when everyone else is chatting.

Fourth, don't allow anyone, including your friends, to pressure you to do something you know you shouldn't do while you're driving. You are responsible for what happens when you are behind the wheel, not your friends.

Fifth, don't leave yourself open to the wrath of an aggressive driver. Don't follow too closely behind another car. Don't try to prevent someone from passing you by speeding up. Most importantly, if you see someone driving unsafely, stay away from them.

Lastly, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medication.

By obeying the law and using common sense teenage drivers can take some of the risk out of driving this summer.

Article provided by Dobbs & Baker, Attorneys at Law
Visit us at http://www.dobbsandbakerlaw.com