AAA has labeled the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as America’s ‘100 Deadliest Days’ for the last several years. Significantly more car accidents with fatalities involving teen drivers occur during this time than throughout the rest of the year, making it a statistically significant time.
You can do your part to keep your teenager and your vehicle safe during this period of time by following these following tips:
Be Aware of Your Teenager’s Schedule
Automobile accidents are more likely to occur when the driver is tired or distracted. If your teen is working long hours or cramming their appointments too closely together, they are more likely to be driving while exhausted or attempting to text while driving. If you notice that your teen is doing these things, it may be time to have a talk about their schedule and committing to too many activities.
Insist on Safety Precautions in the Vehicle
If your teen will be driving or carrying passengers in your family car, insist that they follow specific safety precautions while they are operating the vehicle. Be sure that they understand the risks involved with driving and that they know to use seat belts and other safety equipment correctly. You may also want to discuss the yearly cost of operating a car with them. According to AAA, in 2019 the average cost to own and operate a 2019 model vehicle was just over $9,000.
Carry Appropriate Insurance
It is also important that you carry enough insurance on your vehicle to protect your teen, other drivers on the road, and cover damage or injuries that you may be liable for as the result of an accident. An independent insurance agent can give you an excellent overview of the type of insurance that you will need when you have a teen driver in the family. You will need to give them information about the type of vehicles that you have, as well as how often your teen drives them, their age, and their academic record or school’s report card. This will help them work up an appropriate estimate.
The 100 Deadliest Days are the most dangerous time to be on the road as a teen driver. Protect your teenager and your vehicle by carrying enough insurance, insisting that appropriate safety precautions are followed, and working with your teen to manage their schedule so they are not driving while distracted. Reach out to Cole Harrison Insurance, a local independent insurance agent, to learn more about the best kinds of insurance for your teen driver.