While most people may assume that teens driving in the thick of
winter – when it’s dark, cold and wet – would be more dangerous
than driving on sunny, warm days, a recent study from AAA
states it is actually the summer months that are the most
dangerous. In fact, the period between Memorial Day and Labor
Day is considered the 100 deadliest days for teen
drivers.
“Teens are spending much more time in the car during June, July
and August – since they’re out of school and traveling with
friends more often,” said Shannon Lara, senior manager,
marketing communications for
Honeywell Friction Materials improved-centralized-data. “Sadly – on July 4 alone – an
average of 28 teenagers die in motor vehicle crashes.”
Bendix Brakes for
Teen Safety, a campaign aimed at educating parents and teens on
safe driving and vehicle care, is launching its third video to
help bring attention to this dangerous driving season, and
alleviate potential problems by making parents and teens aware
of three key risk factors that could affect their summer
driving.
Teens are more likely to speed and tailgate, yet they
do not react as quickly as a more experienced driver. A
Honeywell Friction Materials study also suggests teens are
driving vehicles that average at least 10 years or older and
may have a badly worn braking system if not properly
maintained. That means new drivers are potentially relying on
outdated brakes, along with inexperienced skills, to stop their
vehicles.
Teens are less likely to wear their seatbelts.
According to Honeywell’s survey, even though 90 percent of
parents have talked to their teens about the importance of
wearing a seatbelt, these young drivers are not following
through. Yet having to stop suddenly at 30 miles per hour would
have the same impact as if a teen fell three stories out of a
building.
Teens admit to doing multiple tasks while driving.
Distractions – in the form of both mobile devices and other
passengers – are probably the most dangerous risk factor as
they account for more than 80 percent of all crashes, according
to AAA.
During summer, there is no shortage of teens driving together –
but Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety suggests parents limit the
number of passengers in their teen’s vehicle, as data from AAA
reveals that having one teen passenger could double a young
driver’s risk of getting into a fatal crash, while having three
or more quadruples their risk.
“Helping teens and parents become more aware of
how dangerous these risk factors are is key to curbing the
number of accidents and crashes,” says Lara. “That’s why we
will continue to promote safe driving habits that start before
teens even turn the key.”
