Safe Summer Driving Tips for You and Your Teen

Safe Summer Driving Tips for You and Your Teen

Wendy Tepfer

Director, Community Parent Center

516-771-9346

Cpc1260@hotmail.com

School is out and summer is here – for teens it is a time for freedom, parties, road trips, vacations, summer jobs; many reasons to drive. This season is also known for something else, “The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when teen driver fatalities and injuries increase dramatically.

This is the perfect time to talk with your teens - raise awareness to the dangers of driving and the risks that come with it.

1. No Alcohol or other Drugs and Driving.
Set a good example-never drink and drive. Remind your teen that underage drinking is illegal. Alcohol and or other drugs and driving never mix.

2. Buckle Up. Every Person, Every Seat. Every Time.
Lead by example. Wear your seat belt every time you're in the car. If you do, your teen is more likely to do so too.

3. Hang Up and Drive. No One is That Important.
Be a role model. Turn off the phone before you start the car. Remind your teen about the dangers of texting or dialing while driving.

4. Stop Speeding.
Drive the speed limit and obey all traffic laws. Require your teen to do the same.

5. Limit the Number of Passenger at Any Time.
One passenger doubles the crash risk. With each additional passenger in the vehicle, your teen's risk of a fatal crash goes up exponentially.

6. Keep the Lines of Communication Open.

Have frequent conversations about the dangers of driving. Create a parent-teen driving contract for safety that sets family rules about driving.

Remember to be a good role model - practice what you preach. The Parent Center and State Farm Insurance want to make sure your teen drivers stay safe this summer and throughout the year.