Summer Months Prove to be Deadly for Teen Drivers

Studies show that summer months June, July and August are 100 of the deadliest days for teens. On average 2,000 teens die each year throughout the summer and an estimated 28 lose their lives on 4th of July alone. Teens spend 44% more time driving during the summer than during the school year. Add to that equation additional passengers in the vehicle, cell phone usage, switching radio stations and you've got a dangerous combination. So what steps should we as parents take to ensure our teen stays safe this summer?

Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students against Destructive Decisions) offer the following advice:

* Set family rules about driving, outline clear consequences for breaking the rules, and follow through.

* No friends in the car without an adult.

* No driving after 10 p.m.

* No use of alcohol or other drugs.

* No distractions while driving, including eating, changing CDs, handling iPods and putting on makeup.

* No cell phone use, including text messaging.

* Continue supervised driving once your child has received his or her license, and reinforce the rules and safe driving habits.

* Don't relent. Parents should continue the dialogue with their teens and frequently reinforce the acute dangers of distracted driving, drinking and driving, or using drugs and driving.