Summer is nearly here, and teenagers across Oklahoma are looking forward to a break from school when they can hang out with friends and enjoy the warm months. If you are a parent with a newly-licensed teen driver, you may be getting ready to hand over the car keys and let them enjoy this new sense of freedom.
But before you let your teen get on the road, it’s crucial that you understand what specific dangers they may face.
Increased Fatal Teen Car Accidents
According to AAA, the 100-day stretch between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September is known as the notorious “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” This is because the number of fatal teen accidents increases during this time, compared to the rest of the year. Data from the same organization shows that:
- Between 2013-2017, an average of nearly 700 people died each year in crashes involving teen drivers.
- The average number of deaths from car crashes involving teen drivers aged 15-18 was 17% higher per day compared to other days of the year.
Additionally, the most common factors that lead to an increase in fatal teen accidents include:
- Inexperience
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
How Parents Can Improve Teen Safety
Parents remain the best line of defense when it comes to improving teen safety and keeping others safe, too. Below are some tips that they can implement to make our roads safer for everyone:
- Emphasize the importance of always wearing a seatbelt.
- Only allow them to drive in safe conditions, such as during daylight hours or when the weather is ideal.
- Limit the number of passengers they are allowed to transport, especially during the first year of having their license.
- Make a driving contract in which they agree to put away their cellphones and other distractions while driving.
- Give your teen a safe out by letting them know you will pick them up to avoid a potentially dangerous situation—no questions asked.
- Set a good example for your teen drivers by always driving defensively.
With this information in mind, the team at Martin Jean & Jackson hopes that you, your teens, and your entire family stays safe and healthy this summer. If you or a loved one is, in fact, injured due to another person’s negligence, know that our team is prepared to help when you need it most.
Together, our attorneys have over 100 years of experience advocating for the rights of those injured across Oklahoma. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to help your family move forward after an accident.
Contact our firm at to schedule your free case review. We have four convenient offices located in Ponca City, Stillwater, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City.
