Car Crashes Leading Cause of Death for Teens

For teenagers, car crashes are the leading cause of death, with the summer months being the most fatal. Since teenagers have more free time in the summer because school is out, they are more apt to be traveling frequently and more often on the roads. Statistically, in 2009, more teens died in July and August than any other months out of the year.

We recently blogged about safe teen driving in response to National Safety Month. The National Safety Council instituted a particular theme each week during the month of June, with safe teen driving the theme for week 3. The summer months can be so dangerous that they have been dubbed the “100 deadliest days for drivers.”

In addition to our previous blog, here are 10 safety tips from ConsumerReports.org that teenagers should consider to stay safe on the roads this summer.

• Buckle up. Out of all age groups, teenagers have the lowest seat belt use and the majority of teens involved in fatal crashes are unbelted.
• Put the phone down. Sixteen percent of all teenagers involved in crashes are distracted.
• Limit passengers. Crash rates increase with passengers.
• Slow down.
• Do not drink and drive. Even they are below the drinking age, teenagers have a greater risk of death in accidents involving alcohol.
• Do not drive at night. In 2009, 17% of teenage fatalities occurred between 9 PM and midnight, and 26 percent occurred between midnight and 6 PM.
• Turn the music down. Music can be a distraction.
• Restrict aimless driving. Taking unnecessary risks increases the chances of an accident.
• Wear comfortable, functional clothing.
• Make sure the car is safe and well-maintained.

Most of these tips appear to be common sense. Yet, many teenagers do not follow them, resulting in more car crashes. Also, these guidelines do not only apply to teenagers but to any driver, regardless of age.

The experienced Oklahoma car accident attorneys at McIntyre Law would like to encourage all drivers to be safe on the roads this summer.