As summer approaches, AAA marks the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers.
During this time, teenagers, who often have more free time, are involved in a higher number of driving fatalities and accidents.
These crashes are tragically preventable, largely resulting from dangerous or negligent behaviors.
Distracted driving has emerged as a critical concern, particularly among teens, who frequently succumb to their addiction to smartphones.
Moreover, these young drivers often mimic the unsafe habits demonstrated by their parents, such as checking texts while driving.
In addition to distracted driving, another safety issue arises from insufficient tire maintenance.
Both young and adult drivers neglect to regularly check the treads on their tires, and this oversight can have severe consequences.
Parents are encouraged to ensure their teenage drivers have proper tire treads to mitigate risks.
To further enhance driving safety, parents should seriously consider enrolling their teenagers in accredited driving schools—not only for potential insurance discounts but also for vital skill development.
Organizations like B.R.A.K.E.S. offer invaluable hands-on training, such as the recent two-day driving course held at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Founded by drag racer Doug Herbert after the tragic loss of his two sons in a crash in 2008, B.R.A.K.E.S. has since trained over 150,000 teens and parents nationwide.
Investing time and resources in driving skills should be a priority, especially when families often allocate significant funds for travel sports and vacations.
In addition to sharing a concern for teen drivers, the area of construction zones during the summer months cannot be overlooked.
National Work Zone Awareness Week, celebrated in mid-April, highlights the perils associated with work zones for both drivers and workers.
In 2022, there were approximately 96,000 work-zone crashes that resulted in nearly 37,000 injuries and almost 900 fatalities.
Shockingly, among those fatalities, 31 were the workers themselves, who are exposed to dangers without the protective shield of vehicles.
As weather improves, the Department of Transportation (DOT) schedules multiple construction projects, which lead to increased obstacles for drivers.
Navigating construction zones requires heightened attention due to lane shifts, closures, and altered traffic patterns.
This attention is crucial, as construction zones present unique risks to both drivers and workers.
With the arrival of Georgia’s hot and humid summer climate, thunderstorms become more common, particularly during afternoon rush hours.
Drivers should heed the earlier reminder concerning tire maintenance, especially as conditions deteriorate during storms.
Moreover, ensuring that headlights and windshield wipers are functional is critical, easily verified during routine oil changes.
When inclement weather strikes, drivers must reduce their speed, activate their headlights and wipers, and avoid using hazard lights.
If conditions become too severe, it’s wiser to find a safe location to pull over, with parking lots being preferable to the road shoulder.
Post-storm, standing water can create hazardous conditions, becoming blinding under the sunlight that often follows.
As the school year draws to a close, with colleges and K-12 students soon on break, it becomes imperative to prioritize safe driving and preparedness.
Collective efforts in awareness and education can lead to a safer environment for all drivers, ultimately saving countless lives.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/three-safety-concerns-this-summer-driving-season-in-atlanta/DECFLCADNZCPBHU5LLEJL4A5DE/
