While summer slowly ends, the road still sees peak accidents and risks during this time of year. August and September have a high volume of cars on the road, roadwork, impaired drivers, and erratic driving behavior. Teen drivers hit the road in full force during summer, and will be driving more with school and extracurriculars starting soon. AAA refers to the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers,” given the dramatic increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers during that stretch. That’s why finding the right teen car insurance is important in order to protect your new driver.
While you share the road, here are some tips to help you and your teen driver stay safe.
Fight fatigue
Fatigue can affect any driver. Approximately 20% of all motor vehicle crashes involve drowsy driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).
Driving for extended periods can create the same responses as someone driving under the influence. A clinical trial conducted by the NSF found that being awake for 17-19 hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol content of .05%.
Don’t drive while your body is naturally drowsy, between 12-6 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. When you feel fatigued, stop and rest. Take a 20-minute power nap or walk around for a few minutes to get your blood flowing. Use this time to check your vehicle’s tire pressure and fluid levels.
To stay alert during your trip, play music or listen to a podcast or audiobook. Some people choose music they don’t like because it prevents them from being lulled into a road trance. Others pick music that motivates them to sing, move, and get their adrenaline pumping.
If you’re so sleepy that your eyes close or you nod off, find a safe place to pull over and rest.
Avoid distractions
On long car rides, it’s easy to become distracted or bored. You might be tempted to call or text a family member or shop online. Other drivers, road construction, changes in scenery, and kids in the back seat can also be distracting. For teens, avoiding distractions can be the biggest contention in safe driving.
To avoid becoming distracted, plan ahead. Pack games, snacks for the kids and anything else you need for a comfortable trip. If a child needs your attention, pull over. Also, avoid eating while driving and keep your phone out of reach and out of sight to discourage texting. Set your device to auto-respond to texts and use a hands-free solution if you must take voice calls.
While looking for the right teen car insurance for your child, think about their current driving habits, and if they are susceptible to distracted driving on occasion.
Stay alert for impaired drivers
The longer the drive and the later in the day you are driving, the more likely you are to encounter an impaired driver.
If you notice another driver weaving or driving erratically, put as much distance as possible between their car and yours. If you have a passenger, ask them to record the license plate number and vehicle information. Then have them call 911 to report the suspected impaired driver.
Plan for storms
Summer can bring thunderstorms, heavy winds, hail, and other dangerous driving conditions. Before you leave, check the weather forecast and prepare your vehicle.
If you find yourself in slippery conditions, the National Safety Council offers this advice:
- Avoid using cruise control.
- If you lose control, steer in the direction of the skid.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
- Increase your following distance.
If fog appears, the National Weather Service recommends you:
- Adjust your speed so you can quickly stop within the distance you can see.
- Use low-beam headlamps, day or night.
- Use the reflective painted road markings as a lane guide.
- Look out for slow-moving and parked vehicles.
Fog can develop fast and change rapidly. If you have to pull off the road, signal first, then turn on your hazard flashers so others can see you. When merging back into traffic, signal your direction. Give yourself and other drivers plenty of space and time to adjust to your vehicle reentering the road.
Late summer brings lots of activities and fun, but also dangers. By preparing with the right teen car insurance policy and practicing defensive driving, you can enjoy your drive and arrive at your destination safely.