Driving School Blog

During the carefree summer months, it’s not surprising to find many teens hanging by the pool, shopping at the mall or catching the latest blockbuster. However, these carefree summer months aren’t without its dangers, as they have actually been nicknamed “the 100 deadliest days for drivers”

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths. On average, a shocking 422 U.S. teens die in traffic accidents during each month of summer. 

So what are the major factors leading to teen driving accidents?

-      Driving at night

-      Distractions in the vehicle such as cell phones and friends

-      Driving at high speeds

-      Not wearing a seat belt

-      Alcohol use

At I Drive Smart, summer is our busiest time, with more than 800 students enrolled so they can fulfill their driver education requirement while they have some extra time.

Having this uninterrupted time with new drivers during the summer allows us to instill in them the need to be safe. We know that summer is typically the "driving season", and for good reason. People are traveling to a variety of destinations for fun or vacation. Add to it the people that are still driving to and from work (like they do during the other seasons) and the roads can get crowded. Because our instructors can give first-hand accounts of the effects inattentiveness can have while behind-the-wheel, we are able to get through to students how aware they have to be while in the driver’s seat. 

Additionally, an overlooked method to improve driver safety during this time is to encourage and educate on vehicle care, which is something that teen drivers don’t always consider. Summer heat takes a toll on batteries and tires, while the engine is often under more strain due to air conditioner use. Describing the benefits of a pre-summer tune up and explaining the meaning of vehicle warning lights not only gives students a better respect for the vehicle they are driving, but also can keep them and their fellow motorists safe.