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Posted in Car Accidents,Our Blog on May 30, 2014
The 100 deadliest days of the year are upon us – at least the deadliest days for teens. Parents in Louisiana should know that Memorial Day is the start of a dangerous season for youngsters; more than half of those killed in car accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day are teenagers. Authorities say this is a great time for parents to educate their teens about driving safety, as youngsters are more likely to take risks behind the wheel while driving with their friends.
Experts say that teens tend to engage in less purposeful driving during the summer. Perhaps they are going to the beach or the lake, or they are just cruising around with their friends. When that happens, they are far more likely to have more passengers, which can lead to distraction. Texting while driving is also a major consideration.
One of the biggest risks for youngsters is actually the distraction that comes along with having passengers. Whereas a digital device only requires a few seconds of attention, teens can be distracted for the entire drive if their passengers demand their attention. Some parents wisely prevent their kids from driving without passengers for the first year behind the wheel – and some states’ provisional licenses also carry such requirements. Studies actually show that loud conversation is more distracting to teen drivers than any kind of technological device.
Teen drivers who cause a car collision could end up causing serious injury or even killing someone. It is important that they realize the serious consequences that can come along with such accidents, including civil suits brought by victims or their families. No teen wants to be the negligent driver to be sued by grieving relatives.
Source: CNN, “Parents, beware: These are the 100 deadliest days for teens” Kelly Wallace, May. 23, 2014