When you think of summer, fun outdoor activities are probably the first things that come
to mind. Beach trips, cookouts, outdoor sports, and family gatherings are likely included
in your fondest memories of past summers. It’s a season associated with being outside
and enjoying the nice weather. And for many teens, it’s a time to enjoy the freedom that
comes at the end of the school year. Freedom from school also means there are more
teen drivers out on our roads than at any other time of the year. Unfortunately, this
seasonal increase in miles driven by teenagers also corresponds with a sharp and
consistent rise in the number of injuries, and deaths resulting from motor vehicle
accidents. This upward spike in deaths involving teen drivers, particularly concentrated
in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, is so alarming that it has become
nationally recognized as the “100 Deadliest Days Of Summer.”
With this very real danger in mind, the Town of Clarkstown will help coordinate a DWI
demonstration for Nanuet High School seniors on Monday, June 8th. I am grateful for
their participation, as the lessons shared in this experience are extremely important.
Special thanks to the Nanuet Fire Department, Nanuet Ambulance Corps (particularly
the Youth Corps members who volunteer to play the roles of driver and victims) and the
Clarkstown Police Department for taking part in this event, which features a very stark,
factual re-enactment of a fatal accident and the consequences for the surviving drunk
driver.
The statistics are eye-opening. Nationwide, an annual average of 2,600 people are
killed in a crash involving a teen driver. Over 30% of those deaths occurred during the
“100 deadliest days” according to a AAA review of crash data from the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration. AAA also cites relaxed or distracted driver
behavior as a significant contributing factor to the jump in fatalities. If you’ve ever driven
a group of teenagers anywhere, you probably know firsthand how distracting they can
be, and when there’s no adult present it usually gets worse. Studies show that when a
teen driver has only teen passengers in their vehicle, the fatality rate for all people
increased by 51%.
Thankfully, there are steps parents can take to help protect their teenage children. The
most basic and important step is simply to educate them on the dangers of drunk and
distracted driving. Teens need to understand that a motor vehicle accident is the single
most likely cause of death for their age group, and it can happen to anyone.
It’s also imperative to establish an understanding between parents and teens that
making a late-night call home for a ride is a far better choice than putting someone in
danger. If you are a parent of a teen, let them know never to drive or get in the car with
someone who has been drinking or taking other drugs. Agreeing on a ‘no questions
asked’ parent pickup or ‘Uber’ policy can be the difference between life and death.
Other important factors that help keep everyone safe include obeying speed limits,
using seat belts, putting phones down while driving, and focusing on the road.
A nationwide educational effort is also underway to help create change. Teens can sign
a pledge to do their part to make this time period the “100 Safest Days of Summer”
going forward. A quick google search will allow you to locate and print out a form your
teen driver can sign where they promise to:
Stay focused behind the wheel and avoid distractions – no texting, scrolling, calling,
or posting. Speak up if they feel unsafe as a passenger. Never drive under the
influence of alcohol, cannabis, distraction, drowsy or any other impairment and
not to ride with anyone who does. Always wear a seat belt in every seat, for every
ride. Drive at safe speeds for conditions and give people walking, biking, or rolling
the space they need. Be a leader by making safe choices and encouraging others to
do the same.
One bad decision can have horrific and irrevocable consequences. Remind your teens
to make responsible and smart choices to keep themselves and others safe on the
roads. Also be aware that the Clarkstown Police Department and other law enforcement
agencies increase enforcement during these “100 Deadliest Days.”
Please put safety first when it comes to driving; it can mean the difference between a
happy summer or a tragic one.
