Parents of teens and tweens often excel at emphasizing the importance of academics and sports. Complete your homework. Prepare for that upcoming test. Don’t skip soccer practice. However, when it comes to issues that truly matter—like road safety—parents might not be as vigilant as they should be. The stakes are far higher than a varsity spot or a perfect SAT score, especially when it comes to the well-being of our children.
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) brings alarming news: Between 2013 and 2016, the number of young people aged 10 to 19 who died from injuries surged by 12 percent. This is a stark contrast to the 49 percent decline seen from 1999 to 2013. In terms of our children’s safety, we’re heading in the wrong direction.
While we hear plenty about rising teen suicide rates, increasing opioid overdoses, and the uptick in homicides due to gang violence and mass shootings—such as the tragic events in Parkland, Florida—what often goes unnoticed is the leading cause of fatal injuries among youth: motor vehicle accidents, which account for 62 percent of all deaths in this age group. In 2016 alone, over 3,000 American teens lost their lives in traffic incidents, averaging more than eight fatalities each day.
Ironically, this surge in fatalities occurs during a time when vehicles are equipped with more safety features than ever. Since 1998, federal regulations have mandated airbags, and modern cars boast stability control systems, anti-lock brakes, rear-view cameras, and many other advanced safety technologies. Yet, despite these innovations, the number of fatalities on our roads is climbing, with many of the victims being young people.
Summer is particularly perilous, especially for teen drivers. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has named the period from June to September the “100 deadliest days” for teen motorists due to the spike in fatal crashes. Too often, these accidents occur because teen drivers engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or neglecting to wear seat belts. Alarmingly, in half of all fatal crashes involving teens, the driver was not wearing a seat belt.
The dangers of motor vehicles extend beyond the driver’s seat. A Safe Kids analysis revealed a 32 percent rise in pedestrian fatalities among kids aged 12 to 19 from 2013 to 2016. A significant contributor to this increase is the tendency of young people to walk distracted, often with earbuds in and eyes glued to their smartphones. It’s easy to overlook a car honking or a vehicle turning into a crosswalk when you’re engrossed in social media.
While it may not be immediately clear how to mitigate these risks, there are proactive steps that can make a difference. Parents should continue to emphasize safety, even during the summer months. Here are some essential lessons for teens to internalize this season:
- Always buckle up, even if you’re just a passenger in the back seat.
- Don’t drink and drive, and never ride with someone who does.
- Observe speed limits; the consequences can be dire.
- When crossing streets, keep your head up and your phone down.
Teens might roll their eyes at these reminders—it’s part of their nature—but parents need to persist. Let’s work to reverse this troubling trend and ensure that summer memories focus more on enjoyment and less on senseless tragedies. After all, summer should be about fun, not heartache.
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Summary
Summer is the most dangerous time for teen drivers, with increased fatalities due to risky behaviors and distracted walking. Parents must continue to educate their teens on road safety, emphasizing seat belt use, sober driving, and awareness while crossing streets.