Car accidents and high school graduation--an unfortunate combination. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than one-third of youth under the age of 21 killed in alcohol-related fatalities died during the months of April, May and June - prom and graduation season.
However, there are ways to reduce the risk of graduating seniors dying or getting seriously injured in automobile accident during graduation season. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t drink and drive or get in a car where the driver has been drinking. We hear it all the time, but it is one of the simplest ways to avoid death or injury in a car accident.
- If you do drink or if your ride does, have a backup plan. Parents should have a "Come Pick Me Up with No Questions Asked" policy with their kids to encourage them to call them if they feel it is unsafe to drive or ride in another car.
- Plan, plan, plan. Something about weddings and graduations--people are always running late. Plan ahead so you are not speeding to get there.
- Turn the volume down. Distracted driving is the number one cause for car accidents. Save the singing with your friends for the post-graduation parties!
- Ride in style: Rent a limo! Get a group of friends together and split the cost.
- Reduce the number of teenage passengers. Car accident risks increase with the number of teenage passengers in the car.
Graduates, treasure this time. Make graduation full of happy memories-not tragic ones.
Even if you don't have a teenager graduating in the upcoming weeks, it is important to remember that many teenagers won't be following these tips, thus putting you and your family at risk. Drive safely and watch out for those who don't.
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Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes represents those injured in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other types of accidents. His Clearwater personal injury law firm -- Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes -- has been caring for clients since 1955. As one of Clearwater's first personal injury law firms, we understand what needs to be done to protect your rights after a car accident. Call Attorney Matthew Noyes today at 727-796-8282 or simply click here to schedule a free case consultation.
