Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, but it also kicks off the most dangerous 100 days of the year for teenagers.
The Maple Valley Fire Department says more teens are killed in car crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends than any other time of the year. Some of the reasons the 100 days are so dangerous for teens are passengers in the vehicle, driving at times they are not used to, alcohol use at parties, and driving unfamiliar routes.
The department is sharing the following tips to help protect teens, and other drivers, while on the road:
- Talk to your teen and set expectations for their driving
- Remind teens about the dangers of distracted driving
- Discuss when, where, and with whom they can drive
- Know whether their driver’s license has a restriction on it about passengers and driving times
- Set a good example as a parent by not texting, not speeding excessively, and not talking on your cell phone while driving
Washington state’s distracted driving law, which is aimed at cell phone use while driving, went into effect in January 2018. The law prohibits the use of handheld devices when you are behind the wheel, even while stopped at a red light or traffic signal.
Don’t forget! Photography is also illegal while driving.