The summer months between Memorial and Labor Days, are usually the most dangerous for teen drivers. In the summer, many teens take advantage of warm weather to get out on the roads while the highways of Georgia fill up with vacationers. Here are some driving tips for Georgia teen drivers.
Students are often inexperienced drivers. They may be on the roads for the first time as they drive to summer jobs. They may be going to parties.
Last summer, we noted how an attempt by police to stop a teen driver in Cobb County led to a chase and no less than nine separate crashes.
According to AAA, teen accidents spike over the summer months across the nation. Fatal accidents involving teens rise by about 15 percent.
Summer Driving Tips for Georgia Teen Drivers
Here are some summer driving tips for Georgia teen drivers.
1 Don’t speed
Speed is one of the most significant factors in fatal car crashes in Georgia. Teens who are feeling the novelty of being behind the wheel for the first time are more likely to speed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) speeding killed 10,111 people in the United States, accounting for 27 percent of all traffic deaths that year.
During the summer months, the interstates around Atlanta become clogged up with traffic. You may be in a hurry to get to a friend’s party or for a night out but it’s not worth taking the risk.
2 Respect Weather Conditions
Frequent storms and heavy downpours occur in Georgia over the summer. You should be prepared to slow down or even pull over to a safe place when storms hit. Always use your headlights during rainstorms and avoid using cruise control. Allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the car in front.
3 Don’t drive after drinking alcohol
During the summer months, more teens have time on their hands. Alcohol and drugs may be present at parties. If you are driving to a party avoid alcohol or appoint a designated driver. Use Uber, Lyft or a taxi to get home if you are intoxicated.
4 Focus on the highway
Distracted driving is at epidemic levels among teens. Texting or looking at a smartphone while driving is one of the most deadly distractions. Texting takes your eyes off the road for as long as 4.6 seconds. That has been compared to driving the entire length of a football pitch blindfolded.
5 Watch out for Trucks
Trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles on the highways of Georgia. You should give them a wide berth. Vehicles like dump trucks and garbage trucks have many blind spots and may stop suddenly in the road. If you can’t see a truck’s mirrors the driver is unlikely to be able to see you. Be cautious around trucks
Teen drivers should take care on the roads in the summer months. Parents should also make sure their children are not consuming alcohol or driving distracted. If you are injured in a crash in Georgia this summer, please call our Newnan injury attorneys at (404) 913-1529.